Avis Stillman Robertson

ROBERTSON Avis Stillman Robertson, known locally for her work in water colors and enamels, passed away Friday, February 9, 2007 at her home after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, William F. Robertson, Media General executive; and sister, Olive Mae Nelson. After graduating from the Pan American School of Business, Mrs. Robertson joined the circulation department of Richmond Newspapers, where she met her future husband. A 1933 graduate of Highland Springs High School, Mrs. Robertson also attended Richmond Professional Institute, now part of Virginia Commonwealth University. During WWII, she left the newspaper to work for the U.S. Naval Department in Richmond. Mrs. Robertson, 90, was a charter member of the James River Art League. She also was a member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and participated in a monthly critique group known as The Tuesday Group. At one time, she taught enameling classes at Westminster-Canterbury and in her home, where she maintained both studios. Until recent years, she exhibited her work in numerous group and one-artist shows in Richmond, Petersburg, and Lynchburg. Richmond locations included the James Center, Arts in the Park at the Carillon, The Gallery Show at the First Unitarian Church, and Arts Around the Lake at the University of Richmond. In order to stay abreast of new techniques and fresh ideas, Mrs. Robertson attended workshops here and abroad. She studied with many nationally-known instructors, including Edgar Whitney, Tony Van Hasselt, Milford Zornes, and Gerald Brommer, as well as with Australian watercolorist, Robert Wade. She once said of her work, "As an artist, you become acutely aware of nature's beauty. You mentally hug trees, revel in the riotous color of a garden, and become friends of small creatures. It's an exhilarating experience. I am delighted to produce a 'gem' of a picture, but my real treasures are the caring, sharing artists and craftsmen I have met along this creative path." Mrs. Robertson was a lifelong member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2201 Monument Ave., where she served on several committees and taught Sunday School for many years. She is survived by her two children, daughter Lynne Brooks Robertson; son, William Elden Robertson and his wife, Louise Lilley Robertson; two grandchildren, Geoffrey Brooks Robertson and Meghan Winslow Robertson; two sisters, Jane Stillman Smith and DeAnn Stillman Dalton, all of Richmond; three nephews, Harold Wayne Crump of Strasburg, Va., Joseph Brooks Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Michael S. Robertson of Cincinnati, Ohio. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 15 in the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. from 1 to 2 p.m., with a memorial service to celebrate Avis's life at 2 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her church, Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, Ga. 31709, or Children International, 2000 East Red Bridge Rd., P.O. Box 219055, Kansas City, Mo. 64121.