Since it was announced that we are dedicating this year’s Scene on the Strait to the memory of Pam Glover, (her painting, “Happy House,” is below) we have received a number of tributes from her fellow artists and friends. Here are some of the tributes, all from artists whose work will be shown at the August 14 event in Martinez and who will be painting on site as well.

Teresa Onoda: “Monday mornings at 8:30 either I would call her or Pam would call me with a “wakey, wakey.” We’d say, “Do you want to paint today, any idea where, no, okay see you at let’s say half past 10.”  Every Monday for 15 years started that way.  We had many adventures. Most dirt roads within 60 miles in any direction were our playground. We talked on our way to the location and then not a word until it was time to go. We had a wonderful friendship and we had much in common-art, love of family and animals. We helped each other get through some rough times and laughed often. I miss my friend.”

Nikki Basch-Davis: “Pam had innocent sweetness and young-hearted humor. What I liked to do most was make her laugh. I can still close my eyes and hear her.”

Jerrold Turner: “Pam was an important teacher who launched so many artists on their careers. She brought the energy and passion of the “Society of Six” to the present day through the mentoring of Lou and Lundy Siegriest. She set an example that dedication, perseverance and the love of art are what are needed to succeed in life. And oh yeah, love of life.”

Ramona Kennon: “I was painting near Lake Tahoe 12 or 15 years ago when an older woman and her companion strolled through the site. Several of the artists I was painting with began to murmur, so I asked what the hubbub was about. “That’s Pam Glover” was the response. I returned to my painting hoping she would still be there when I finished, and I was engrossed in my work when a voice with a slight accent asked me, ‘What galleries are you in?’ ‘None,’ I replied as I turned to see the voice, which belonged to Pam.  “Well you will be,” she said, and moved on. This was my first meeting with Pam, and it was her confidence in my work that set me on the path to attain gallery representation which I obtained shortly thereafter.”

Mamie Walters: “Pam Glover was an inspiration to me from the first time that I met her, many years ago. At that time, I was a woman who was feeling the effects of growing older. I thought about the future and wondered if I could manage the rigors of plein air painting. When I saw Pam out there painting, those concerns left me and I have always appreciated her for that. I always felt good being in her company.”

Leslie Wilson: “Pam was an extraordinary artist who was a tireless supporter of open space preservation. Her enthusiasm for the great outdoors shows through in her paintings and that is her gift to all of us.”

Geri Keary: “I knew Pam for many years as an artist to admire. I loved her bright colors and unique style.”

Mary Lou Correia: “My friendship with Pam Glover spanned some twenty years. I met her at a Maxwell showing in San Francisco and was enchanted by her spontaneous color and unique style. I enrolled in her Wednesday class and I painted with her and in Jerry Turner’s class on Saturdays. I wanted to glean as much as I could. I carried many of her lessons with me when I taught my own classes. Sketching out an idea very quickly, for instance, not to render but to jot down an idea. Teresa Onoda and Pam and I had lunch several times during her illness. She complained mildly about medical decisions but continued to enjoy painting. She came to my early shows always and discussed the painting market. She always shared her knowledge and encouraged me. The last time I saw Pam was to bring her lunch and to spend some quality time and to give Anne Marie [Glover, her daughter, who was helping to care for her] a break. I prepared some yogurt and fruit for her. I drove to Orinda and couldn’t find her house. I called Pam and she directed me and she was standing in the garage waiting for me. She cut up the fruit and gave me chicken salad. She made lunch for me. We enjoyed reminiscing. She showed me some of her older paintings. I am glad for that time. I admired her drive, her passion. She was my mentor both as an artist and as a person who lived with integrity. She lived life fully.”

Pam Glover was a founding artist and long-time supporter of Scene on the Strait and the Carquinez Regional Environmental Center (CREEC), which sponsors Scene on the Strait. Now in its 14th year, Scene on the Strait is the biggest fund-raiser for CREEC; proceeds from the sale of the paintings go to support CREEC’s programs to restore butterfly habitat along the Carqunez Strait as well as provide valuable work opportunities and environmental education for underserved youth. For more information about the August 14 event at Martinez Regional Shoreline, please see this website, the CREEC website, or call 510-787-9772.

“Boating,” by Pam Glover