Stroke by stroke he made his mark on the art world, but his final legacy may be the dignity, grace and strength he showed while enduring the ravages of cancer during the final year of his life.
Virgil Grotfeldt, associate professor in art and artist in residence, died Feb. 23 following a 16-year battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.
Grotfeldt, diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 1993, had been in remission since 1994 until the cancer's recent recurrence. He died Monday while undergoing surgery at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
His friend and colleague Michael Collins, chair of the department of art and artist in residence, said the art faculty knew he was suffering and were proud of the high level of commitment he demonstrated during his illness.
"Our students were most important to him even to the end of his treatment," Collins said.
The artist talked about his illness in an interview published in the Oct. 9 issue of the Collegian. He said what mattered most in his life was being able to paint and teach.
"That's why I am here. I want to be at school and see my students. I want to see them succeed. I want to be a part of that success," Grotfeldt said.
Juan Castillo, BA '08, said that one of his fondest memories of Grotfeldt was when he came to see Castillo's work being exhibited at Project Row Houses, a nonprofit art and cultural organization.
"He told me he was very proud, but didn't hesitate to offer the astute criticism and advice he would so often share with me during our long talks," Castillo said.
The University's assistant gallery director and Grotfeldt's former student, Sheila Hurst, BA '04, described Grotfeldt as one of the most influential men in her life. She said he was a teacher, a friend and ultimately family.
"He taught me, as a painter, to let my materials guide me. In life, he taught me to listen to my heart and allow it to guide me through this great journey that is before us all," Hurst said.
President Robert B. Sloan Jr. said it was an honor to have known Virgil.
"Our students and alumni were fortunate to have studied under his direction. We have all been blessed and now our prayers are with his family."
Grotfeldt's family requested that all donations in his honor go to the Universit Academic Center Art Gallery.
A memorial service will be held in Belin Chapel, Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m. followed by a reception in the art gallery where Grotfeldt's last show, "Virgil Grotfeldt 274296," is currently on exhibit.
Grotfeldt is survived by his former wife Deborah Grotfeldt, daughter Jessica and son Andy.
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