Ruth Smith Palmisano 1926-2002
The Phoenix
Artist Guild was founded by Ruth Palmisano in 1984 with the help of Pat
Gellenbeck and Addye Kozel, (our first President). Once Ruth started
the Arizona Artists Guild in l984, it was soon up to 150 members. Ruth
also founded the Arizona Pastel Artists Association in l996 and also the
Paradise Valley Art League.
Ruth Palmisano
was a professional artist, who taught for 20 years in classrooms and
seminars, as
well as teaching art on two cruise lines from Alaska to Hawaii.
Ruth has juried
shows and given critiques through out the
country.
She has had several one and two person gallery shows, and has
judged many exhibits including the Arizona State Fair. She gained
commu-nity recognition for her work with Arizona State University and
was awarded a number from the Library of Congress for her artwork and
written articles on art.
"Frames, Frames & More Frames"
Ruth’s
paintings have hung in many juried exhibitions and she has received Best
of shows, Best of Class, and the Arizona State Governor’s Award. She
was an expert in so many mediums. Ruth has been not only a mentor but
also a bright, guiding light to many of today’s artists. She is
terribly missed by many students as well as many others whose lives she
has enriched
In the year
1999, The Phoenix Artists Guild wanted to recognize her by bestowing
“The Ruth Palmisano Best of Show” Award. Also, the board wanted to
recognize Pat Gellenbeck with the First Place Watercolor award, (25
years of service on the board). These are lifetime awards.
Pat is still holding
office with Phoenix Artists Guild. She and her husband Dan are tireless
in their help with the Phoenix Artists Guild as well as the Arizona Art
Alliance.
