Darrell Eden Walters

Cal Arts and who is this strange boy and his lunch box tote!?! My first impression. Then so many nights in long talks in our Studios You and your studio in the next block from mine. A few too many drinks and soon we are dancing. Reading Virginia Woolf to each other and really getting into her structure of an amazing chunk of writing, a sentence,a feeling!
I still am having difficulty processing this loss.
Running into years later,Peter Berlin film screening and then after party with Peter Berlin and us at the Spotlight in Hollywood just a few blocks from the Church on Selma and these steps made famous in so many photographs.
I want to go dig through my photos finding little markers of moments and places shared.
Your laughter now an echo. My heart is heavy again.

My deepest condolences to family and friends! I met Darrell when he started volunteering at the Bryan Museum, which is where I work. Everyone there loved him. He was such a blessing, helping any way he could. I had the pleasure of working side by side with him at our Gala a few months ago. He will be missed, for sure!

My favorite memory of him happened multiple times. It is all the late night conversations we had either on a porch or around a fire. We stayed up way too late talking about only God knows what.

Darrell, my heart is broken knowing the world has to go on without you. This man was the brightest light, and he saved my life as a 17 year old high school drop-out, with no support system. Because of his kind and radiant persistence, I was gifted a scholarship to CalArts at 20...and my life was forever changed. I'll never forget how much fun we had together during his classes, and as one of my mentors...he challenged me, inspired me, and shone that light and support I desperately needed as a student. You are always in my heart, Darrell. Your love, patience, and perspective has touched so many lives.

Darrell was CalArts, through and through. One amazing thing CalArtians know there are always a multitude of stories that emerge from all the magical things that happen on campus. The truth is, the stories are magical because the people in them are. Staff, faculty, and students alike - all come to be in community with one another, and to think about how they might create the conditions so art might happen. Darrell was himself a student, and moved into the role of a "CalArts Keeper" by working here, where he spent the vast majority of his career doing what CalArtians do best - helping students make art happen.

The enormous success that Darrell had in doing this is evident by the hundreds of lives he touched, and their testimony to that effect. I had the privilege of having conversations with Darrell about photography and life and CalArts before he retired, and I will cherish those stories as part of my book of CalArts memories. I also have had many, many conversations with other CalArtians about their time on campus with Darrell and their ongoing relationship with him - without fail they always reference the generosity of spirit he brought to everything he did.

The world has lost a great CalArtian, but because he was one, he made sure that his work would be passed on to other artists through those that encountered him. Rest in peace Darrell.

President Ravi Rajan and The CalArts Family

May God bless you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. I was indeed, blessed to have known him. There aren't enough kind and wonderful words to describe his rays of sunshine and love, tremendous heart, incredible nature to give, and never take. Always willing to help out however possible, with a smile and a nice, cute giggle! I met him years ago in our training class at The Bryan Museum. When I would miss something, he was there to fill in the blanks.
I'd always follow his tours, and tried to be the biggest sponge to pick up his incredible knowledge. He knew his stuff! What an angel and a huge breath of fresh air. Such a great, delightful, uplifting person. I am truly honored to have known him and have shared special times with him. The world would definitely be a better place if we could all be just a little like Darrell. I've never met a more giving person. He is, and always will be, dearly missed.

He and I were friends since middle school and kept in touch through the years. The world is darker without him

I barely knew Darrell as a student in the MFA photo program at CalArts. But at a time when I was floundering in my life my brief overlap with him was really memorable- someone who modeled compassion, boundaries, a love of learning, deep care for people and places around him- the best of adulthood. He made a big impression on me, and I am so much the better for it. One time he complimented me on a salsa I made and I GLOWED with delight. Sending such love to all of you who loved this man.

I worked with Darrell at CalArts for many years, where he was a valued member of our community. His dry humor, deep irreverence, and lively intelligence were much appreciated by colleagues and students. A very special person.

What I´ll always remember about Darell first and foremost was his kind and gentle nature. He had a unique personality and sense of humor and I always admired the way he didn´t seem to care what people thought. Darrell was Darrell and there was a quiet strength and confidence in that. I think back to the times he,Tommy and I hung out and smile . He had an ability to always make you laugh.

Darrell made the CalArts photo lab a home for me. After a tough upbringing and no family home, Darrell showed me that I not only had a place to go to and feel safe but that it also came with a confidante: Darrell himself. I worked for Darrell in the photo cage my entire four years at CalArts. This job wasn´t really about the money (which Darrell himself would openly joke about often), but rather to guarantee some solid one on one time with the man who knew anything and everything about a camera and its inner workings. Darrell was a fascinating, compassionate, brilliant friend and mentor. Although Darrell´s job was to primarily focus on teaching photography, I will leave you with my favorite lesson that Darrell ever taught me: "Molly, `No´ is a complete sentence."

Ciao, my friend xo

I´m fortunate to have known the legendary Darrell Eden Walters since 1993. A wonderful friend with a gift for storytelling, a wicked sense of humor, and a kind heart. Darrell and I always managed to stay in touch even when there were many miles between us. I have countless fond memories of Darrell (shorty shorts, dance parties, Palm Springs trips, and museum visits among them). My heart is full knowing that I had the gift of Darrell´s friendship for over thirty years.

Darrell loved to laugh and dance and live life. He came into Galveston like ball of energy and involved himself in everything he could. Every event or gathering I invited him to, he was there. His smile lit up the room and I always knew I was talking the most interesting guy at the party.

We are going to miss our buddy Darrell so much, our "Salisbury"! There are So many fun memories and intimate moments that I will forever treasure in my heart. Thank you, Darrell for all of the love and light you have shared with us

I first met the Walter's family when Darrell was about 10 years old, and they immediately adopted me in to their family. Oh the fun we had on my first trip to the Cayman Islands shortly after that! As years passed I had the privilege of talking with Darrell about many things, one being when he described his overseas travels. I will miss his smile and will forever cherish the last hug he gave me.

I will forever hold Darrell in my heart and I'm struggling to believe he's really gone. He truly was a gem - one of a kind, bright shining and beautiful in every way. He was a champion to so many people, and I feel lucky to have been one of those. I wish I could have one more conversation, hear his laugh one more time. Just be in his magical presence. Sending love to his beautiful family. -Katie Shapiro