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WILSON -- FRED ROBERT Famed African American Artist and Teacher, Fred Robert Wilson, 80, passed on April 23, 2012, at his home and business, The Wild Strawberry and Muddy Wheel Gallery and Studio, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A celebration of his life will be held on June, 30, 2012 at 5:00 PM. For information and to RSVP email fredwilsoncelebration@gmail.com Mr. Wilson was born March 16, 1932 to his beloved mother, Jennie Moore, in Chicago, Illinois. His artistic stirrings began as a young teen when he moved to California. He learned to create beautiful images out of clay and on canvas with very limited materials. He was educated at Fresno State, La Verne University, and Cal- State Los Angeles, with studies in the arts and athletics. The Army gave him life experience, but Mr. Wilson felt that a great deal of his life inspiration came from growing up in the Depression in Chicago. From the first pot that he threw at age fourteen, until the day he passed, he touched countless hearts through the spiritual qualities of his art and his teachings. He taught thousands of students, from children to adults, beginning with his pottery school in California in the 1960's to apprenticeships and workshops in New Mexico until the day he passed. Mr. Wilson's artistic inspirations came from his dreams as well as observing people and animals in their daily environment. The basis for his designs came from his views of human interaction which he interpreted as pieces of abstracted reality that communicate cultural, symbolic and mythical stories. He channeled those ideas into sculptures, architectural wall murals, masks and pottery. These one of a kind creations were made from clay, often incorporating wood, stained glass, feathers, shells, and beads. He believed that art should be for every taste and every pocket book. His artistic philosophy was reflected in the following poetic excerpt from his book of poetry, "Soul Reflections Heart Expressions" "You gotta look up and not down to the ground. You gotta reach out and feel all around, And touch, smell, feel and see All the good things in life to be found." Mr. Wilson's teaching philosophy was that the beauty comes from the creation not necessarily the means. He believed an artist need never feel limited by life; that their only limitations are from their own minds. The family finds comfort in this time knowing that Mr. Wilson inspired so many with his prolific works. Mr. Wilson was inducted into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2003. He won countless awards and accolades during his long career including the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2007. He is survived by his wife and creative partner of 25 years, Kristen Wilson, life friend Jessie Wilson, his eight children, Dion Thompson, Terry Wilson, Andre Wilson, Jaison Wilson, Joi Wilson, Tali Kaniatobe, Caitlin Kaniatobe Lucas, Remi Kaniatobe, his five grandchildren, Tevin Thompson, Johnathon Kaniatobe Lucas, Elliot Kaniatobe, Jaiden Wilson, Alyssa Lucas, and all of his extended family, friends, and students. Donations in his name may be sent to Working Classrooms. Please contact Nan Elsasser 505-242-9267 nanel@workingclassroom.org.
        Published on: Sun April 29, 2012