Beth Adams Obituary

Beth Van Hoesen Adams Peacefully in San Francisco on November 16, 2010. A prominent artist and acknowledged master of drawing and printmaking, Van Hoesen distinguished herself as a major figure in 20th century prints. Born 1926 in Boise, Idaho, to Enderse and Freda Van Hoesen. She was predeceased in 2006 by her husband of 52 years, Mark Adams. She is survived by many cousins including Mary Jo Hossfeld, David Van Hoesen, Karen Olson, Phil Soulen, and predeceased by Norma Rich; also survived by nieces Judy Bailey and Barbara Nalli; by Mary N. Connors, devoted caregiver for 14 years, and numerous friends, colleagues, and admirers. Beth Van Hoesen studied art at Stanford University (B.A. 1948); at schools in Mexico City and Paris; California School of Fine Arts, San Francisco; and San Francisco State College. In 1953 she married artist and designer Mark Adams, and in 1959 they purchased a firehouse in San Francisco's Castro district, where they established their studios and lived for the next 46 years. For many years, she and Adams hosted a weekly drawing group with Wayne Thiebaud, Gordon Cook, Theophilus Brown, and other artists. With Adams, she traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe, and worldwide. In 2005, Van Hoesen and Adams moved to the Sequoias, San Francisco. Throughout her career, Van Hoesen was honored for her artistic achievements, including a 1981 Award of Honor in Graphics from San Francisco Arts Commission, and 1993 Distinguished Artist Award from California Society of Printmakers. Her works have been the subject of numerous exhibitions and publications, and are in important museum collections in the U.S. and abroad. A comprehensive exhibition of paintings, drawings, and prints is currently touring U.S. museums. An exhibition at the Sequoias Rotunda Gallery, 1400 Geary Street, San Francisco, continues through Sunday, November 21, with a memorial reception on Sunday from 4:30-6pm. Graveside services are Friday, November 19, 10am at Cypress Lawn Cemetery, with a memorial service to celebrate Beth's life at 3pm at Temple Emanu-El. Donations may be made in her memory to Hospitality House, 290 Turk St., San Francisco CA 94102. HALSTED N. GRAY - CAREW & ENGLISH (415) 673-3000

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Beth Adams

15 Entries

Jonathan Oppenheimer

November 22, 2010

Beth and Mark were both good friends of my Opa and Oma in San Francisco, and I was very lucky to have them as artist role models when I was a child.
After Beth, bed-ridden, missed my parents' 50th anniversary, I plucked the last fragrant Bourbon rose of October from my vine, and delivered it to the Firehouse. Mark accepted it with a beaming smile. A tiny gift was all I could bring, but it was accepted with such grace as I will always remember.
Whenever I have difficulty with a blank page, I will always remember them, and their immense spirit.

Mary Kirk

November 20, 2010

Ginger and Oreo were great foot warmers for Beth when they regularly visited her at The Sequoias. Her love of animals was so wonderful to see.

BORIS

Sabien Maars

November 20, 2010

Sabien Maars

November 20, 2010

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

"Pine"

Jade Slater

November 19, 2010

Celeste Moore

November 19, 2010

Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit. -- James Russell Lowell

Nina & Frank Pohl

November 19, 2010

We had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with Beth at The Sequoias with our SPCA Therapy Dog. She was a bright, kind, person, with a good sense of humor and was so very talented. It was a joy and a privilege to visit with her.

Anne Sherwood

November 18, 2010

Beth and Mark stayed several times at the Hillsborough home of her Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Mynderse Van Hoesen, who were dear friends and neighbors of my parents who lived nearby. She did several paintings of my Mother's roses. I cherish those prints as well as one of "Sally" which she gave to my son... Her work is exquisite!

Richard Matheron, US Ambassador (retired)

November 18, 2010

Beth was a student compatriot whom I first met at the American Church in Paris in 1948. She supplemented her income there by painting oil portraits. As soon as I got a job with the Marshall Plan European Headquarters, I earned enough to commision her for the enormous sum of $20 for my portrait, I loved that portrait and always quoted Beth to admirers of the portrait: "You have a lot of green in your face." What an eye she had to see that!

Many years later while visiting San Francisco, I purchased a copy of her print entitled "Nasturiams" at a galleru and wrote Beth how much I enjoyed it. She wrote back and asked if I had ever found the mouse in the print. For at least two decades after that I kept looking for the mouse, as did many visitors who admired the print. We never succeeded, and now I'll never know whether Beth was teasing or whether there is indeed a wee mouse hiding among the stems and leaves. My wife and I adored her "Creatures" series and often gave copies of the book as gifts to family children and friends. I am not an art connaisseur but one of those who can only say, "I know what I like and what I don't like." I like everything Beth created. California and America and the world have lost what I am sure will be an enduringly appreciated artist of enormous talent and skill.

Mary Moore-Campagna

November 18, 2010

I am so grateful to have had Beth Adams as a part of my life. She and my mother were post-collegiate traveling companions and roommates, and she was responsible for introducing some very dear friends to our family. I will always treasure the memory of having known her and seeing her wonderful pictures, both in books and on the walls of my parents' living room. Farewell and Godspeed, Beth; may you and Mark happily continue creating beautiful works of art for all eternity.

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