It is with deeply saddened hearts that Amarillo Art Institute is sharing the loss of Local artist and benefactor Ann Crouch. She was the strong driving force behind Amarillo Art Institute, Amarillo’s art school located at Sunset Art Center. It was her dream to have a place where all aspiring and advanced artists could grow and learn in a local art community. In our heartfelt love and appreciation for her, we have evolved into a large family of artists.
Not only did Ann dream of a local school that would offer workshops and classes like she had experienced in Scottsdale, Santa Fe and Taos, she threw herself and her resources whole heartedly into creating and growing Amarillo Art Institute for Amarillo.
As Ann dreamed and worked and engaged others to do the same, she produced what is the envy of the whole United States art world. She created something that had never been done before right here in Amarillo, Texas! She did this by breathing art into a facility that houses more artists under one roof than any other place in the US, and maybe even the world.
Because of her hard work and love affair with art, Amarillo Art Institute has been able to bring quality art instructors to Amarillo from all over the world. These experienced artists have shared their successful painting skills with Amarillo artists.
She truly was the hub of art in Amarillo, Texas. The city, the school, and so many artists have the privilege of owing a debt to this strong passionate lady.
Because she avoided the spotlight as much as was possible, we are only now free to sing her praises. As late as Saturday night she said , “I don’t believe in retiring!” And a worker she truly was!
We are all broken hearted by her death while being overwhelmed with gratitude for her gift of art to us!
Ann has painted her last painting, but with your financial support, her legacy can continue to grow and thrive here at Amarillo Art Institute.
It is our belief that Ann would smile if you choose to honor her by donating to Amarillo Art Institute to help her dream alive and growing.
Lee Blakeney
President
Racheal Flores
Executive Director
Myrna Royal says
January 10, 2017 at 11:32 amI was really sad to hear of Ann’s passing. Thanks to her dream Amarillo Art Institute is a quality place to receive art instruction and a great place to practice individual art. I was a student for a number of months and I loved being able to take classes from Vance Swain. Ann will diffidently be missed.
Amarillo Art Institute says
January 11, 2017 at 10:01 amThank you for your kind words Myrna, she truly was one of a kind.