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We May Think We're Alone, But We're Not. New List of Famous Suicide Survivors Just Released.
When my sister-in-law killed herself two-and-a-half years ago, I felt desperately alone. The shock waves of her death blew me back in time to my father's suicide four decades prior and knocked me off my feet. I was a mess and so desperate not to be alone with my emotions that despite my aversion for "group" anything, I attended the annual AFSP International Survivors of Suicide Day event in New York City just two weeks later.
Survivor Day was emotional, painful at times, but it was surprisingly comforting to be around people who belonged to the same awful club. So it's with a strange sense of comfort that I read through a newly published list of well-known folks (celebrities and otherwise) who have lived through the suicide of a loved one. (And by "strange," I only mean that I find it a bit baffling that I should be comforted by the knowledge that even famous people have suffered as I have.) The list reminds me once again that the experience of surviving a suicide isn't unique after all, despite how uniquely tainted I felt in the first few decades after my father's death.
The survivor list, which follows below, was prepared by Dan Fields for the Grief Support Services program of Samaritans, Inc., in Boston.
250+ NOTABLE SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS (as of August 2011)
Lost a Child
President John Quincy Adams (son)
Roger Angell, writer (daughter)
Walter Annenberg, publisher, philanthropist, and diplomat (son)
James Arness, actor (daughter)
Burt Bacharach, singer/songwriter, and Angie Dickinson, actress (daughter)
Ambrose Bierce, writer (son)
Georges Bizet, composer (son)
Marlon Brando, actor (daughter)
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Prime Minister of Norway (son)
Ralph Bunche, winner of Nobel Peace Prize (daughter; also lost an uncle)
Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (daughter)
George Chuvalo, boxer (son; also lost wife)
Judy Collins, singer/songwriter (son)
Tony Dungy, football coach (son)
Mary Engelbreit, artist (son)
Robert Frank, photographer (son)
Robert Frost, poet (son)
Major General Mark Graham (son)
Kenneth Grahame, children's author (son)
Fritz Haber, winner of Nobel Prize in Chemistry (son; also lost wife)
Eric Hipple, NFL quarterback (son)
L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology founder (son)
Robert Hughes, art critic (son)
Brit Hume, TV journalist (son)
President Andrew Johnson (son)
Jennifer Jones, actress (daughter)
Roger Kahn, sports writer (son)
Walter Koenig, actor (son)
Art Linkletter, radio/TV personality (daughter)
Bernard Madoff, disgraced financier (son)
Thomas Mann, writer (two sons; also lost two sisters)
Herman Melville, writer (son)
Willie Nelson, singer/songwriter (son)
Carroll O'Connor, actor (son)
Eugene O'Neill, writer (son)
Marie Osmond, singer and actress (son)
Farah Pahlavi, Empress of Iran (daughter and son)
Gregory Peck, actor (son)
James Pike, Episcopal bishop (son)
Luke Richardson, hockey player (daughter)
Oral Roberts, televangelist (son)
First Lady Edith Roosevelt (son)
Pierre Salinger, journalist and White House press secretary (son)
Georges Simenon, writer (daughter)
Gordon Smith, U.S. senator (son)
Rosalie Sorrels, singer/songwriter (son)
Danielle Steel, romance novelist (son)
Bart Stupak, U.S. congressman (son)
Arnold Toynbee, historian (son)
Gloria Vanderbilt, fashion designer (son)
Walter Winchell, newspaper and radio commentator (son)
Lost a Parent
Kathy Acker, writer (mother)
Conrad Aiken, writer (father)
Buzz Aldrin, astronaut (mother; also lost grandfather)
Hal Ashby, filmmaker (father)
David Axelrod, senior advisor to President Obama (father)
Mikhail Baryshnikov, ballet dancer (mother)
Orson Bean, actor (mother)
Richard Belzer, actor (father)
Larry Bird, basketball player and executive (father)
Bill Blass, fashion designer (father)
Drew Brees, NFL quarterback (mother)
Sarah Brightman, singer/songwriter and actress (father)
Frederick Buechner, writer and theologian (father)
Truman Capote, writer (mother)
Jean Cocteau, writer and filmmaker (father)
Geoff Courtnall, hockey player (father)
Isak Dinesen, writer (father)
Perry Farrell, singer/songwriter (mother)
Karen Finley, performance artist (father)
Janet Flanner, writer (father)
Nick Flynn, writer (mother)
Jane Fonda, actress (mother)
Peter Fonda, actor (mother)
Ernest and Julio Gallo, winemakers (father)
Kaye Gibbons, novelist (mother)
Gail Godwin, writer (father)
Carol Greider, winner of Nobel Prize in Medicine (mother)
Thom Gunn, poet (mother)
Philip Guston, painter (father)
Judson Hale, editor-in-chief of Yankee magazine and
The Old Farmer's Almanac (father)
Mariette Hartley, actress (father)
Amy Hempel, writer (mother)
Eva Hesse, sculptor (mother)
Christopher Hitchens, writer (mother)
Ben Hogan, golfer (father)
Frieda Hughes, writer and artist (mother: Sylvia Plath; also lost brother)
James Jones, novelist (father)
Randi Kaye, CNN anchor (father)
Franz Kline, painter (father)
Stanley Kunitz, poet (father)
Janet Leigh, actress (father)
Joshua Logan, stage and movie director (father)
René Magritte, painter (mother)
André Malraux, writer and statesman (father)
Archie Manning, NFL quarterback (father)
Charlie Manuel, baseball manager (father)
Pete Maravich, basketball player (mother)
Chester Marcol, NFL kicker (father)
Carl Mayer, screenwriter (father)
Anne Meara, actress and comedian (mother)
Story Musgrave, astronaut (both parents; also lost a brother)
Martina Navratilova, tennis player (father)
Don Nickles, U.S. senator (father)
George Oppen, poet (mother)
Amos Oz, writer (mother)
Ann Packer, writer (father)
Gram Parsons, singer/songwriter (father)
Wolfgang Pauli, winner of Nobel Prize in physics (mother)
Walker Percy, writer (father; also lost a grandfather)
Marjorie Merriweather Post, founder of General Foods (father: C.W. Post)
Freddie Prinze, Jr., actor (father)
Wilhelm Reich, psychiatrist (mother)
Harry Reid, U.S. senator (father)
Richard Rhodes, writer (mother)
Melissa Rivers, TV personality (father)
Karl Rove, political consultant (mother)
Richard Serra, sculptor (mother)
Linda Gray Sexton, writer (mother: Anne Sexton)
Michelle Ray Smith, actress (father)
W. Eugene Smith, photographer (father)
Phil Spector, music producer (father)
Gerry Spence, trial lawyer (mother)
Art Spiegelman, cartoonist (mother)
Wallace Stegner, writer (father)
Barry Switzer, football coach (mother)
Christopher Titus, comedian (mother)
First Lady Bess Truman (father)
Ted Turner, media tycoon (father)
Kurt Vonnegut, writer (mother)
Raoul Wallenberg, humanitarian (mother and stepfather)
Jake Weber, actor (mother)
Paula White, Christian author and pastor (father)
Marianne Wiggins, writer (father)
First Lady Ellen Wilson (father)
Lost a Sibling
Clay Aiken, singer/songwriter (sister)
Robert Antonioni, Massachusetts State Senator (brother)
apl.de.ap, member of The Black Eyed Peas (brother)
Ba Jin, writer (brother)
Angela Perez Baraquio, Miss America 2001 (brother)
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, poet (brother)
Ivy Compton-Burnett, writer (two sisters)
Pat Conroy, writer (brother)
Anderson Cooper, CNN anchor (brother)
Cameron Crowe, screenwriter and filmmaker (sister)
Robert Crumb, cartoonist (brother)
Paul Dirac, winner of Nobel Prize in Physics (brother)
Dominick Dunne, writer (brother)
Dave Eggers, writer (sister)
Mia Farrow, actress and humanitarian (brother)
Suzy Favor-Hamilton, Olympic runner (brother)
Zelda Fitzgerald, writer (brother; also lost a grandmother)
Julia Glass, novelist (sister)
Nan Goldin, photographer (sister)
John Gray, relationship counselor (brother)
Mariel Hemingway, actress and writer (sister: Margaux Hemingway;
also lost a grandfather: Ernest Hemingway)
Katharine Hepburn, actress (brother; also lost a grandfather)
John Hiatt, singer/songwriter (brother)
Jeffrey Hollender, cofounder of Seventh Generation (brother)
Aldous Huxley, writer (brother)
Sam Kinison, comedian (brother)
August Kleinzahler, poet (brother)
Akira Kurosawa, filmmaker (brother)
Guy Maddin, filmmaker (brother)
Mairead Maguire, winner of Nobel Peace Prize (sister)
Gustav Mahler, composer (brother)
Terrence Malick, filmmaker (brother)
Michel Martin, NPR host (brother)
Mark Matousek, writer (sister)
Mary Tyler Moore, actress (sister)
Nichelle Nichols, actress (brother)
Michael Palin, comedian, actor, and writer (sister)
Charlotte Rampling, actress (sister)
Robert Schumann, composer (sister)
Cindy Sherman, photographer (brother)
Joe Strummer, singer/songwriter (brother)
Patrick Swayze, actor (sister)
John Vanbiesbrouck, hockey goalie (brother)
Ludwig Wittgenstein, philosopher (three brothers)
Lost a Spouse
Henry Adams, writer (wife)
Gary Allan, singer/songwriter (wife)
Stephen Ambrose, historian (wife)
Catherine Bach, actress (husband)
Jackson Browne, singer/songwriter (wife)
John Carlos, Olympic runner (wife)
Darryl Dawkins, basketball player (estranged wife)
Louise Erdrich, novelist (estranged husband)
W. Mark Felt, Watergate's "Deep Throat" (wife)
M.F.K. Fisher, food writer (husband)
Henry Fonda, actor (wife)
Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), children's author (wife)
Katharine Graham, Washington Post publisher (husband)
Jean Harlow, actress (husband)
Gayl Jones, writer (husband)
Helmut Kohl, Chancellor of Germany (wife)
Timothy Leary, psychologist (wife)
Courtney Love, singer/songwriter (husband: Kurt Cobain)
Carson McCullers, writer (husband)
Jay Novacek, NFL tight end (wife)
Lafitt Pincay, jockey (wife)
Helen Steiner Rice, poet (husband)
Joan Rivers, comedian (husband)
Irma Rombauer, author of The Joy of Cooking (husband)
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, poet and artist (wife)
Jessica Savitch, TV journalist (husband)
Ruth Stone, poet (husband)
Lost Other Loved One
Patch Adams, physician (uncle)
Francis Bacon, painter (male companion)
Mark Ballas, dancer and singer/songwriter (uncle)
Drew Barrymore, actress (aunt)
Emmanuelle Béart, actress (boyfriend)
Walter Becker, singer/songwriter (girlfriend)
Elizabeth Bishop, poet (female companion)
David Bowie, singer/songwriter and actor (half-brother)
Lord Byron, poet (grandfather; also, Byron's father may have died by suicide)
Barbara Cartland, romance novelist (grandfather)
Jamie Lee Curtis, actress (grandfather)
Salvador Dali, painter (grandfather)
Charles Darwin, naturalist (uncle)
Paula Deen, chef (nephew)
Jonathan Edwards, theologian (uncle)
Carmen Electra, actress and model (half-brother)
Eminem, singer/songwriter (two uncles, one of whom he regarded as a father)
Sylvie Fréchette, Canadian synchronized swimmer (fiancé)
Art Garfunkel, singer/songwriter (girlfriend)
Al Green, singer (girlfriend)
Angelica Huston, actress (half-brother)
Ferguson Jenkins, baseball pitcher (fiancée)
John Kerry, U.S. senator (grandfather)
Maxine Hong Kingston, writer (aunt)
Eli Manning, NFL quarterback (grandfather)
Peyton Manning, NFL quarterback (grandfather)
MC Lars, singer/songwriter (college roommate)
George Michael, singer/songwriter (uncle)
Arthur Miller, playwright (uncle)
Liza Minnelli, singer and actress (aunt)
Monica, singer/songwriter (boyfriend)
Demi Moore, actress (stepfather)
Denis Potvin, hockey player (cousin: Marc Potvin)
Theodore Roethke, poet (uncle)
Mark Ruffalo, actor (best friend)
Betrand Russell, philosopher (granddaughter)
Mary Shelley, author (half-sister)
David Spade, actor and comedian (stepfather)
Britney Spears, singer (grandmother)
Benjamin Spock, pediatrician (grandson)
John Paul Stevens, U.S. Supreme Court justice (uncle)
Ben Stiller, actor and comedian (grandmother)
Amy Tan, writer (grandmother)
Sigourney Weaver, actress (uncle)
Florence Welch, singer (grandmother)
Elie Wiesel, writer (close friend: Primo Levi)
28 Responses to We May Think We're Alone, But We're Not. New List of Famous Suicide Survivors Just Released.
Sid says:
Every time I read a list like this, I can't help but think of the millions of "unknown" suicide victims and their survivors and wonder why everyone seems to care so much when suicide touches the lives of someone famous. First and foremost, they are people like the rest of us and just because they are in the limelight does not make them, or their families, immune to mental illness or other issues that cause someone to commit suicide.
I consider myself very fortunate to have never been a survivor of someone else's suicide. I have, however, survived numerous attempts of my own and have seen the aftermath of pain, frustration and confusion those attempts have left behind. I can only image the scope of devastation survivors must wade through after a completed suicide. As such, the nameless, faceless survivors that no one ever hears about are the ones that touch my heart the most and the ones I relate to the most. They are the stories that people should hear. Thankfully the AFSP helps give those people a voice. It truly is an amazing organization.
kristenking says:
I can appreciate this sentiment — why does it take the knowledge of a famous person's suffering to bring a common issue to light? I lost my husband to suicide by handgun almost four years ago and have had to, reluctantly, cite a lot of these names and direct friends and family members to their stories to justify my own suffering as a survivor…there are still times that I'd like to pull my hair out over it, it's maddening.
I do my best to remember that we have been raised in a none-of-my-business society — until it involves celebrities, and then it's a free-for-all, fair game, and sadly too many people cannot let down those immediate barriers to help deconstruct this flawed behavior; I feel compelled, when I find it necessary to use the Hemingways or the Fondas to illuminate the pain bequeathed to my son and me by our loss, to thank them somehow for baring their all (like it or not) so that I might help educate another person who doesn't understand why I'm, "still not okay".
Thank you for this list; you might add Charlotte Rampling, whose sister died by suicide in 1963 after suffering a miscarriage over which she felt responsible. Rampling took a long hiatus from acting in the 1990s to undergo intensive therapy to deal with her troubles related to her sister's death.
Joe says:
Remove Courtney Love from this list…and I agree why does it take people in the spotlight to bring awareness to a widespread issue. Lives are lives and just because you are related to someone famous does not make your life any more important.
Riki says:
Why are we inclined to remove Courtney Love from this list? Is her suffering any less?
Thank you for providing this list and thank you for this blog. I just started to read your blog in search of my own healing. I myself am a sibling survivor of suicide and just began blogging about my healing process. Although I feel horrible that they have the same scars as I do but I do take comfort in knowing more people are out there.
grinandbearit says:
I lost my daughter to suicide by hanging 11 months ago. I hate seeing a list of people who have also suffered this terrible tragedy but in the same sense I feel comfort in knowing others feel my pain.
Philippa Lawn says:
I am with you. My step daughter hung herself 7 months ago, everything about what she did is horrific and while we are gradually getting used to the fact she is no longer here and trying to move on, it is hard to get certain things out of your head. There is some comfort in knowing that these people have gone through a similar thing and the fact that they appear to be living happy, full lives does help. However, I expect everyone is idividual in how they come to terms with this. We are looking to the future, planning fun things to do as a family – as life is for living.
Karen S says:
I have lost 2 sons, a sister, and a niece to suicide. A very good friend just died of suicide 2 weeks ago. Will there ever be an answer?
Wendy says:
No, there will never be an answer. The only thing we can do is try to value the lives around us and love to the best of our abilities. My heart breaks for your losses.
survivor says:
Another survivor once said to me, "We cannot understand a complete loss of hope of another. That is a private matter between a man and his maker."
Mark Lewis says:
I lost my Husband to suicide in 2006. Since his death I have become more aware of suicide and it's impact on those who survive losing a loved one to it. Recently I learned that the rate of suicide is more than double the murder rate in the U.S..
This list is not surprising given that statistic. It is a comfort to know that we are not alone. May we be ever more vigilant and compassionate to our fellows in distress.
Jenna says:
I was saddened to look at the list of famous people who had lost someone to suicide. I was even more sad when I had to keep scrolling and scrolling to get to the end of the list – there were so many names.
Thank you for writing this blog. I hope it helps many people who are considering suicide to choose to live their life.
It does get better!
Thank you
Jenna Xx
Judy says:
My son attempted suicide by using a gun. He lived and endured many facial reconstructive surgies. Because of the change in his appearance, we have a constant reminder of this tragic event. As hard as it is for me to get past it, his determination to get well, he has become our inspiration. He now has a lovely family and a lovely life. There is much on the other side of depression to look forward to if you can pull yourself out of it. I know its easier said than done. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but I don't. I can only tell you that some how my son got through his depression, and suicide attempt, and now life is good for him. Please know that it is possible.
Barb says:
No one is immune from suicide and this life altering experience changes everyone and affects millions each year worldwide. The author Eric having lost his father to suicide, I myself am a loss survivor and lost my late husband Rob to suicide in Dec. 2000.
Many loss survivors feel the need to reach out and share their personal stories, in hopes it helps others and to raise awareness, dispel stigma and save lives. Eric has authored several books, I have created a fanpage "Suicide Shatters" to host posts to help educate, raise awareness and get the message out that suicide can in many cases be prevented but we need to talk about it and get it out in the open.
I think when we see a list like this and realize that many on here were from many different walks of life, some who we'd think would "have it all!" have in fact had their lives shattered too.
Thanks for this post Eric, I believe every single post makes a difference!
The fact this list from Samaritans happens to highlight celebrity losses is no less important or more important than any life lost to suicide. We happen to live in a world that worships celebrity, and if their names or causes can help shed light on suicide, then I'm all for it! Each life matters and their loved ones left behind to try and figure out what happened and to then have to learn how to cope, heal and move forward with their lives is all the result of suicide.
Alicia says:
I lost a brother January 16th 1990. I thought I was the only one who feels like it's a horrible, awful club that I belong to now. No one wants to join this club, but we are forced to and the price is one that is way too high. I would give anything not to have to be a member and for their never to be anymore members again.
angela says:
I think this list, may help other survivors not feel alone. As sad as is it, being "famous" means that others pay more attention to a situation. My heart is sad for all survivors.
Colleen says:
I lost my beloved husband Patrick when he took his own life on Jan 2, 2012. This was something completely unexpected, shocking, and devastating. We had an incredible marriage for 20 years, loved and respected each other, had mentored many couples both younger and older than us as well as young adults. He was a kind and gentle soul, talented musician, brilliant man, and friend to many. He was my lover, my best friend, my confidant, my heart. I am not sure how I have survived my overwhelming loss, but I have. Though I find myself left to wade through the ravage and the ruins, I pick up one more piece each day and begin to rebuild my life a little each day. When I am not suffering the devastating, deep-deep, sorrow I have, I am dealing with the fear of having to rebuild my life at the age of 56 on my own,by myself. I have a therapist and attend a support group and I find both helpful. There are times when I just want and need my husband to help me get through the bad days and the rough patches. Though we were not religious, we were very spiritual and my husband has been with me most days since he took his own life. Despite the fact that I have so many unanswered questions, I do not project those onto him, but rather grant him the peace and comfort he deserves in his spiritual life. This is very difficult for me at times because of the anger and abandonment I feel. We had no children so the loneliness is quite unbearable at times. I am honest with him regarding my feelings, but do not project that onto him. Choosing to take his own life was a choice so uncharacteristic of my husband. It is baffling at best and I treat myself with kindness regarding this point. I have realized that I do not have any answer NOW, nor will I EVER have any answers and I am OK with that. Does that viewpoint make my suffering any less? Yes, and no. Yes, because I just don't beat myself up over the unanswered questions and no, because it just makes no sense. Its a balance and most days I can keep it in perspective. On the days when I can't, I allow myself that as well and all the emotions that go along with it. I have made conscious choices most of my life that has rendered me much happiness and now I find myself completely void of that. As the days pass, I find little moments of peace and I do acknowledge these, they just don't come enough yet. I have searched the internet and have not been able to find any support groups in my state(CA)for widows without children. Is there anyone out there that knows of such a group that I might be able to connect with?
kathy wallace says:
Thank you for your womderful words… I am going to steal some of them for our support group.
"Despite the fact that we have so many unanswered questions, we will not project those onto our loved ones, but rather grant them the peace and comfort they deserve in their spiritual life and may we treat ourselves with kindness. May we realize that we do not have any answer NOW, and we may never have any answers and may we be OK with that. May we give ourselves permission to not beat ourselves up over the unanswered questions because it just makes no sense. It is a balance and most days please grant us the ability to keep it in perspective. On the days when we can't, may we allow ourselves that as well and all the emotions that go along with it. As the days pass, may we find little moments of peace and acknowledge these and not feel guilty. AND…May we be ever more vigilant and compassionate to our fellows in distress. Thank you, Colleen.
Judith says:
Dear Colleen,
November 21,2012 was 44 years since my mother's suicide, I was 15. That date reflected the same amount of years she lived on this earth.
I found great solace and rewards when I was 44….I became a cemetery/funeral counselor. Fast forward ….a move across the country and a great compassion for the grieving heart….I started Grief Buddy. Although I have not blogged for over 2 years….there are over 600 blogs associated with loss/grieving….personal, professional and current event inspired.
My web site was a labor of love. Please find solace in my words, and solace in the fact that I too grieve everyday for my mother ….for the days we had….and the days we never had.
I sign off my blogs as "friend" ….to you I will sign off as Judith ….
ericmarcus says:
Thank you for posting a comment to my blog post. Next year it will be 44 years since my father took his life. Like your mother, he was 44 when he died. I think often about this approaching anniversary and what it means to me. I'm still thinking. I'm so sorry for what you've lived through and inspired by how you've taken your experience and used it to help others.
Andrea says:
Thanks so much. I lost my brother to suicide last winter, and this list has comforted me very much.
Mary Galasso says:
I have lost 2 brothers, a cousin and a friend to suicide. And although I can not bring them back… I have taken to doing the Out of the Darkness Walk to raise money for the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)… in hopes of raising awareness and possibly with the money I raise, helping others in need. Check out the website @ http://www.outofthedakness.org to find a walk near you. Much love to all of you out there who are missing someone as well!!
Madeline Sharples says:
Eric, thank you for posting this list. Yes, it is long, but not nearly as long a list of we, the common folks, who have lost a loved one to suicide. After my son died, I wrote a book about his suicide as a result of bipolar disorder and how our family survived. And many times while I was marketing it, I was told it would never sell because I wasn't a famous person. In the end I did find a publisher – in fact I found publisher number two after my first went out of business, and I'm happy to say my book, Leaving the Hall Light On, is doing well. I also volunteer. One of the places I work is the Facebook suicide memorial page, Putting A Face On Suicide. There are over 9,000 likes on that page, and now over 1500 faces of suicide. Please come by, write about it. It is very powerful – even without a famous person in sight.
Wendy says:
I have lived 8 1/2 years of suicide. From the day my son died to this one. It does not matter if you are rich or poor, famous or infamous, the pain of the loss is just has heavy. The sun continues to rise and set, without relenting for those of us whom time now stands still. What shocks me is not how he died but the strength he had to hold on as long as he did. Caleb's mom.
stephanie larson says:
The last 2 funerals I have been to have been suicides. One, my beloved nephew(who lived with us for a time) and the other a close childhood friend of my son. Both of these young men were 25 and younger. I still have times where I cannot wrap my head around it. Yet, I also suffer from depression, so I can also say I've sort of walked in their feelings of hopelessness shoes. There is so much support, care, information about suicide. I was/am still shocked that many people do NOT talk about it as a cause of death. I hope that there continues to be this sort of website, books, articles, etc. about this subject. Just like different kinds of births, there are different kinds on deaths.
Scott Chisholm says:
Sharing stories of those left behind by suicide begins to break the stigma and starts the dialogue on suicide prevention.
I invite you to check out the Collateral Damage Project.
The Collateral Damage Project works to prevent suicide in by stomping stigma, creating proactive dialogue and pushing for gatekeeper training. With open communication at its heart, the project includes a touring gallery exhibition and book (both depicting portraits of those "left behind" by a loved one's suicide), a number of annual fundraising events and local, national and international speaking appearances by Chisholm and members of the advisory team, some of Canada's most respected and recognized athletes, musicians and doctors. In 2012, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health honoured Chisholm with a prestigious Champions of Mental Health Award.
survivor says:
Thank you. I lost my grandmother to suicide when I was ten years old. I later learned that her sister had also committed suicide; both by hanging. I am my grandmother's namesake. I have spent much of my life trying understand her suicide.
I have a Master's degree in Thanatology. I have volunteered and worked in hospice for 9 years. I currently work with bereaved children.
Thirty years later, I still don't understand suicide or the intrigue that built around it from the moment I found out she had hung herself.
It helps to know of others that have successfully survived suicide. It's a horrifying and brutal experience.
Rick says:
I have read that story Musgrave has recently lost a son aswell. I know that this list just scratches the surface, especially since people tended to cover suicide up back in the day. It is still such a hush hush topic. For example Katherine Hepburn's family denied that the hanging of her brother was a suicide, Mary Tyler moore's son shot himself which was called an accident. I've lost a brother to suicide 6 months ago and this list gives me alot of comfort.
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About This Blog
Welcome to my blog, which grew out of my experience as a suicide survivor and my experience writing Why Suicide? (see below). On occasion I'll be posting an essay based on something I've read, someone I've met, an experience I've had, or just a memory of someone in my life who took his or her life. If you have a thought on something I've written, I hope you won't hesitate to join the conversation by leaving a comment.
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About Eric Marcus
Eric Marcus is the author of several books, including Why Suicide?, Is It A Choice?, and Making Gay History. He is also co-author of Breaking the Surface, the #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography of Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis. Eric lost his father to suicide in 1970. His sister-in-law took her life in 2008. (Photo Credit: Dixie Sheridan.)


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text:
*** Our Aqua & Pink Paisley Comfy Mat ***
Stylish, Beautiful & Durable Comfy Mats with Complimentary Embroidery
Size: Large
Introducing our Dog Mats for Travel, Crates, Training and Snoozing for the silly pups that don't like regular dog beds. Ideal for the car, training, crates/kennels or just snoozing for the silly pups that don't like regular dog beds. Soft and comfortable for use anywhere. Roll them up and take them with you to the office, the park, a patio, the beach or any where else you take your pup!
We can use ANY of Our Fabrics for Our Comfy Mats!
TSD flippable design extends the life of your training mat by using both sides instead of just one. Our training mats are filled with a double layer of 8oz thermal bonded batting.
All of Three Spoiled Dogs Training Mats come in 4 Sizes or your Custom Size... We are happy to adjust if needed ... whatever makes you and your furbaby happy.
Small (S): 24" x 18" & $59
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Large (L): 36" x 23" & $89
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* * * When checking out be sure to tell us your pups Name(s) and the Thread Color to use! * * *
We have 7 Fonts and 37 Thread Options and can all be found on Instagram @TSD.Embroidery;
https://instagram.com/tsd.embroidery/ or
You can find a gallery of our stylish pet products on Instagram @ThreeSpoiledDogs with lots of examples and all the details to help you decide on the perfect product for you best buddy.
Here is the link to Our PupDanas: https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/ThreeSpoiledDogs/tools/listings/section:18728487,sort:title,order:ascending
Here is the link to Our Wood Beds: https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/ThreeSpoiledDogs/tools/listings/section:16468139,sort:title,order:ascending
Here is the link to Our Bowl Mats: https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/ThreeSpoiledDogs/tools/listings/section:17255907,sort:title,order:ascending
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Absolutely! Just use code LocalPickUp when checking out and it will not charge you a shipping fee. When your item is ready, we will let you know and you can stop by and pick it up during office hours.


text: On Sun, 26 Jan 2003, Ben Ransom wrote: > It is still curious to me, that we can run other codes on Dolphin SCI and > showing 100% cpu utilization (full power/heat) on a ring away from a > suspect SCI card. This implies the reliability is code dependant, as other > have alluded. I spose this may be due to the amount of message > passing? Hopefully the problem will disappear once we get our full Dolphin > set in working order. Our code dependent reliability problems don't involve either Dolphin or MPI, but I think they may be real. The problem is reproducibility and extensibility. If the problem is really a memory leak or instruction bug in the fortran compiler (absent in e.g. gcc) then one would have to be able to test lots of compilers on lots of systems on the same code, and until one had GREAT statistics and reproducibility one would still be left wondering if it were really a hardware problem associated with bad cooling fans, bad memory DIMMS, etc etc on just some of the nodes. As it is, I can run my jobs (in gcc) on both our 2460 and 2466 nodes until the cows come home with only >>very<< rare crashes, probably hardware-related incidents. Another group here has maybe 4x my crash rate running their fortran-based code. Another problem is that it is amazingly difficult to isolate pure programmer error from all this. The other group is running Fortran because their code base (used to do high energy nuclear theory, e.g. lattice gauge computations) has been written by generations of graduate students in dozens of universities and nobody alive knows or has properly certified all its subroutines and aspects. OTOH, I personally wrote all the code I use (and don't even use a lot of prebuilt numerical library code, although that is changing with the GSL being fairly good and reliable). If my code crashes habitually, I have a prayer of debugging the crash point. If one of their routines leaks or manages to tweak some deep weakness in kernel or device enabled by some (mis)use of a system call, how can they know? rgb > > BTW, we are using dual 1800+ MP athlons on Tyan S2466 motherboard/ 760MX > chipset, Redhat 7.2 with 2.4.18smp, and as suggested above, I think > everything is probably fine with this. > > -Ben Ransom > UC Davis, Mech Engineering Dept > > At 05:45 PM 1/23/2003 +1100, Chris Steward wrote: > >Hi, > > > >We're in the process of setting up a new 32-node dual-athlon cluster running > >Redhat 7.3, kernel 2.4.18-19.7.smp. The configuration is attached below. We're > >having problems with nodes hanging during calculations, sometimes only after > >several hours of runtime. We have a serial console connected to such nodes but > >that is unable to interact with the nodes once they hang. Nothing is logged > >either. It seems that running jobs on one CPU doesn't seem to present too much > >of a problem, but when the machines are fully loaded (both CPU's 100% > >utilization) errors start to occur and machines die often up to 8 nodes > >within 24 hours. Temperature of nodes under full load is approximately 55C. > >We have tried using the "noapic" option but the problems still persist. Using > >other software not requiring enfuzion 6 also produces the same problems. > > > >The seek feedback on the following: > > > >1/ Are there issues using redhat 7.3 as opposed to 7.2 in such > > a setup ? > > > >2/ Are there known issues with 2.4.18 kernels and AMD chips ? > > We suspect the problems are kernel related. > > > >3/ Are there any problems with dual-athlon clusters using the > > MSI K7D Master L motherboard ? > > > >4/ Are there any other outstanding issues with these machines > > under constant heavy load ? > > > >Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated. > > > >Thanks in advance > > > >Chris > > > >-------------------------------------------------------------- > >Cluster configuration > > > >node configuration: > > > >CPU's: Athlon MP2000+ > >RAM: 1024Mb Kingston PC2100 DDR > >Operating system: Redhat 7.3 (with updates) > >Kernel: 2.4.18-19.7.xsmp > >Motherboard: MSI K7 Master L motherboard (Award Bios 1.5). > >Network: On-board PCI (Ethernet controller: Intel Corp. > >82559ER (rev 09)). (Using latest Intel drivers, "no sleep" option set) > > > >head-node: > > > >CPU single Athlon MP2000+ > > > >Dataserver: > > > >CPU: single Athlon MP2000 & > >Network: PCI Gigabit NIC > > > >Network Interconnect: > > > >cisco 2950 (one GBIC installed) > > > >Software: > > > >Cluster management Enfusion 6 > >Computational Dock V4.0.1 > > > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > >Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org > >To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit > >http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf > > _______________________________________________ > Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org > To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf > -- Robert G. Brown http://www.phy.duke.edu/~rgb/ Duke University Dept. of Physics, Box 90305 Durham, N.C. 27708-0305 Phone: 1-919-660-2567 Fax: 919-660-2525 email:rgb at phy.duke.edu


text:
A Book About DesignJune 27, 2005
A mini book review, in response to a fantastic youth-oriented design book found while out browsing this past weekend.
A good eye can't be taught, but solid design principles can. As someone who recently put together just over 300 pages of design writing (among other things), you can bet I appreciate a book that does it in a fraction of that.
Aimed at a younger crowd, the simple writing style and accompanying illustrations of A Book About Design : Complicated Doesn't Make It Good make it an ideally approachable book for any budding young designer. But don't let the intended reading age of 9 to 12 fool you, the lessons contained within are relevant to any age of reader.
The simple setup of this book allows for surprising clarity, which you can see for yourself with Amazon's Search Inside this Book feature. Textual pages sit on left-hand pages, with full-page diagrams on the right. Case in point: the mini-chapter about contrast runs three or four pages of teaser text with completely black facing illustration pages on each, and then the fifth page slams a giant white number 3 in the middle of the black pages to drive the point home.
For such a brief read, it covers a surprising amount of ground in a no-nonsense, visual way. If you can take the principles in this book to heart, you can safely sleep through the first few months of design school. That's bang for your buck. For the simple and subtle way this book accomplishes what it sets out to do, I give it a ten out of ten.
I wish I was 9 and had this book. Maybe then I would have become a better designer.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Too bad Amazon doesn't accept Paypal. And the seller on eBay doesn't ship internationally. Does somebody know a website where they accept paypal and ship internationally? Thanks.
I wonder how well a design coloring book would go over. Something where there are outlines and you have to fill them in to demonstrate the effects. Maybe even a digital coloring book that helps you learn to "place" things. Who knows the feasibility or even if it would sell.
Can you just imagine it though, suddenly there are 3 year olds who can put together better color schemes for rooms, webpages, and print media than some random 30 year old off the street.
Oh no! Look what you made me do. I bought the book :) Well, it wasn't only your fault. The sample pages looked good, so I thought this book will be nice to have in the shelf (after it is read ofcourse). Have a nice day!
*Some guy at Amazon is currently scratching his head trying to figure out why the spike in sales of this product…*
On amazon.fr the book is better shown:
Thanks for pointing out this book!
So, I picked up this book in a bit of a rush from Chapters - didn't really open it.
Imagine my surprise when I got home and finished reading it while having a cigarette - hahah.
Now, don't get me wrong, it really was pretty cool - but considering it can be read in all of 5 minutes, if you are short on money I'd say just read it in the store and use the money to buy something more substantial (like, say, David's book).
Wow, a book I might actually be able to finish. I'll have to check it out!
So… what's with him using his example of a design getting too complicated (see the link posted by the ever-so-kind Gilles) as the cover of his book?
Maybe the two books should be sold as a bundle.
Marc Kohlbrugge,
I think you should read the book more than once.. it serves more as a reminder.
Mario De Zutter:
No luck, his website links to the amazon site.. I may send him an email..
I've only just (today) managed to justify spending £20 on your book, and now you're suggesting we buy another? Heh.
Seriously though, looking at the Amazon previews I am intrigued. I'll certainly be keeping my eye out for it in the local book shops.


text:
United States
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C.
Office of Acquisition Management
Vendor Communication Plan
The Department of Labor recognizes the value of communicating appropriately with industry concerning its acquisitions. Communication with potential vendors should occur as soon as possible after a bona fide need has been identified to ensure proper information is transmitted correctly.
An increased significance is placed on frequent exchange of information amongst industries to make certain the quality of the agencies' research is advanced. Constant communication is encouraged between the Department and potential vendors at the initial identification of a requirement, throughout the process and upon its completion.
Vendor involvement is required to keep abreast of the latest products and services available to fulfill Departmental requirements. Vendors can also provide useful information concerning intended acquisition methods that may aid in making prudent business choices. Conversely, communicating program needs and issues to industry promotes understanding, quality proposals, enhanced contract performance and lower prices. Communication adds significant value and promotes competence in all aspects of the acquisition process.
Accordingly, this plan is designed to maximize mutually beneficial communications between industry and the Department.
Agency Commitment
The Department of Labor is committed to:
- Frequent, constructive communication with industry early in the acquisition process to gain market/industry information to ensure a more successful outcome;
- Ensuring that small businesses and other businesses alike are included in communications about agency requirements through agency postings and vendor outreach efforts;
- Engaging in timely, constructive and professional information exchanges with the vendor community, with an emphasis on high dollar, complex procurements;
- Reducing unnecessary barriers to attract new vendors and enhance competition, especially where there is a pattern of receiving only one quotation or proposal;
- Protecting proprietary information contained in offeror's proposals and other information obtained during the source selection process, including preventing inadvertent release through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process or divulging vendors' confidential information or source selection information to those without a legitimate need-to-know.
- Identifying in the Annual Acquisition Plan and Procurement Forecast requirements likely to involve opportunity for additional communication with industry and publicizing communication engagement opportunities on the Federal Business Opportunities website, including pre-solicitation and/or pre-proposal conferences for high dollar, high-risk, or complex programs, or those that fail to attract new vendors during re-competitions.
Responsible Official
The Department of Labor's senior official responsible for promoting vendor engagement is Edward C. Hugler, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations under the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management. Mr. Hugler is also the Department's Senior Procurement Executive and is perfectly situated to ensure implementation of this plan.
Efforts to Reduce Barriers and Promote Engagement
The Department has long promoted and facilitated communications with industry. Vendor Outreach Sessions (VOS) are held on a quarterly basis and the names and contact information of key agency acquisition personnel, including agency information technology managers, are published on the Department's website.
The Department also periodically conducts an Information Technology Expo where industry discusses and demonstrates products and capabilities with the Department's information technology community. In addition, particular acquisitions have involved substantial market research, including discussions with vendors, pre-solicitation and pre-proposal conferences. Such conferences provide an opportunity for vendors to ask questions and network with other attendees who may be potential teaming partners.
To supplement the above efforts, the Department will consider use of blogs, webinars and wikis (reference Apps.gov or Betterbuy) to promote interaction with industry and solicit comments. The Department will also train and encourage contracting officials to engage as frequently as practicable with industry.
Criteria for Identifying Acquisitions Which Require Vendor Input
Vendor input is to be sought in advance of solicitation when the acquisition is valued at over $10M and is one of the following types: acquisitions of information technology systems; acquisitions of products or services the agency has little experience acquiring; when novel contracting provisions or evaluation factors are utilized; and when similar prior acquisitions have yielded little competition.
Publication of Engagement Events
The Department lists upcoming Vendor Outreach Sessions on its website, and also advertises them on Federal Business Opportunities along with other small business conferences, industry days, pre-solicitation conferences, and RFP question and answer sessions.
Roles and Responsibilities
Contracting Officer (CO) – Obligates the government. Generally serves as the Source Selection Authority in awarding contracts and is responsible for facilitating communication engagement activities in the National Capital Region and Regional Offices. Establishes and maintains the ground rules for information sharing and ensures high integrity and fairness during all phases of the acquisition process. Uses information gained through the vendor communication exchange process to advise on solicitation requirements and source selection process, including contract type, level of small business participation, multiple awards, payment structure, evaluation criteria, etc. Collaborates with Office of the Solicitor (SOL) and Small Business Program representatives. Addresses efforts that will be undertaken to remove barriers to competition. Attends vendor communication meetings, as appropriate, to better understand industry capabilities and requirements in order to enhance the Government's solicitation requirements. Under Competition in Contracting Act, 41 U.S.C. Section 253(a) (1) (A), COs have a duty to promote and provide for competition and to provide the most advantageous contract for the Government. Therefore, COs must be proactive and take any necessary steps or actions to maximize competition.
Program Manager (PM) – Ensures appropriate communication takes place with vendors to keep abreast of industry trends and learn of current products and services available to fulfill requirements as well as available sources and means of acquisition.
Contract Specialist – Supports the CO in all aspects if the procurement process. Attends communication exchange meeting and may represent the CO. Actively seeks out engagement opportunities with industry, where feasible, and engages in vendor outreach activities. Attends vendor communication meetings to better understand industry capabilities and requirements in order to enhance the Government's solicitation requirements, in coordination with the CO. Assists the PM in taking minutes during one-on-one vendor meetings or other types of exchanges with industry, and documents the file.
Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) – Plans and coordinates communication exchange activities with the CO and Contract Specialist. Takes minutes during one-on-one vendor meetings or other types of exchanges with industry. Uses information gained through the vendor engagement process to enhance the quality of agency requirements and budget estimates. Attends vendor communication meetings to better understand industry capabilities and requirements in order to enhance the Government's requirement contained in the Statement of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Objective (SOO).
Office of the Solicitor (SOL) – Ensures the legal sufficiency of contractual documents and provides counsel and legal opinions as required.
Ethics Officer – Provides guidance and feedback to ensure that issues concerning Organizational Conflicts of Interest are addressed and do not unnecessarily impede proper engagement between the agency and vendors. Provides guidance to ensure proper business practices, procurement integrity, and avoidance of personal conflicts of interest.
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) – Conducts Small Business Outreach Sessions, VOS and meetings to offer small businesses the opportunity to market their capabilities to agency program officials and to learn about potential Department procurement opportunities. The OSDBU employs the strategy of screening all acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold via the DL-1-2004 Acquisition Screening Form (including GSA schedule and GWAC buys) for possible small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a) small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, HUB Zone or service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-asides.
Other Officials, such as contacts identified in the Procurement Forecast or on the Department's website, will communicate appropriately with vendors when contacted to learn of products, services, and means of acquisition available to fulfill requirements.
Communication with Industry Prior to Receipt of Quotations or Proposals
Sharing information with vendors and engaging in open exchanges and dialogue during the early stages of procurement can provide unique insight from industry that could improve the quality of agency requirements and processes. This type of interaction could enhance competition and lead to efficiencies in the acquisition process and other positive outcomes that benefit all concerned.
One-on-one meetings are encouraged in order to facilitate open information exchanges either with a single vendor or with a small group of vendors. Regardless, they must be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and be well documented. If a COR/PM would like to hold one-on-one meetings, they must contact the CO in advance. The CO will determine whether the PM or a COR should attend (depending on the unique circumstances), and whether there are any issues that should be reviewed or addressed in advance of such meetings. This approach will serve to safeguard the integrity of the procurement process.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) includes the following methods for engaging in early exchanges between Government and industry:
- industry or small business conferences
- public hearings
- one-on-one meetings with potential offerors
- pre-solicitation notices
- draft requests for proposals (RFP)
- request for information (RFI)
- pre-solicitation or pre-proposal conferences
- site visits
- market research conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10
- sources sought synopsis (SSS)
FAR 15.201 (f) emphasizes that fairness to all prospective vendors must always be maintained and serves as a guide in dictating the scope and nature of the dialogue and assures a level playing field. Essentially, any information shared by DOL with a vendor during one-on-one meetings affecting the preparation of proposals under a competitive solicitation must be made publicly available as soon as possible. Otherwise, the agency's efforts at early communication may be counterproductive and foster an unfair competitive advantage for a prospective offeror. Conversely, any interactions between the agency and a prospective offeror that concern the firm's "confidential" business strategy must not be disclosed to the public, as such communications are protected from disclosure by Federal law and regulation. The agency should be candid with vendors about what information can be shared with the general public to ensure confidentiality while promoting transparency and openness.
Market Research
Conducting market research is the basis for planning and developing a successful acquisition. It is the process of gathering and analyzing information about a market, product or service to be offered for sale to fulfill Government's needs. Market research can provide insight into product and industry trends, technology trends as well as helpful strategies.
Effective market research is beneficial as it can help shape a solicitation that best fits with the description of the Government's needs. Ultimately, it will improve communication between industries to achieve positive results, promote the use of competitive procedures and aid in determining information in regards to commercial items.
As stated in the FAR 10.001 Policy: Agencies must conduct market research –
- Before developing new requirements documents for an acquisition by that agency;
- Before soliciting offers for acquisitions with an estimated value in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold;
- Before soliciting offers for acquisitions with an estimated value less than the simplified acquisition threshold when adequate information is not available and the circumstances justify its cost;
- Before soliciting offers for acquisitions that could lead to a bundled contract (15U.S.C.644(e)(2)(A));
- Before awarding a task or delivery order under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract (e.g., GWACs, MACs) for a noncommercial item in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (10 U.S.C. 2377(c)); and
- On an ongoing basis, take advantage (to the maximum extent practicable) of commercially available market research methods in order to effectively identify the capabilities of small businesses and new entrants into Federal contracting that are available in the marketplace for meeting the requirements of the agency in furtherance of —
- A contingency operation or defense against or recovery from nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack; and
- Disaster relief to include debris removal, distribution of supplies, reconstruction, and other disaster or emergency relief activities. (See FAR 26.205).
Training and Awareness Efforts
The Department will transmit this plan, via contracting officer notice, to its procurement community, including contracting officers, specialists, and associated program personnel. In the notice, the link will be provided to Federal Acquisition Institute's (FAI) Acquisition Learning Seminar on Effective Vendor Engagement. The Department will also include a presentation on the subject in upcoming acquisition seminars.
Information Types
The following information is not intended to be all-inclusive; rather, it is intended to serve as a basic framework for appropriate communication with industry. This information is intended to support the engagement efforts of contracting and project/program personnel to ensure that communications with industry are appropriate and follow applicable Federal laws and regulations. Prior to engaging industry, acquisition personnel should consider the prohibitions and restrictions that may apply to the situation, including restrictions contained in the FAR and other laws and regulations (procurement integrity, FOIA, etc.). If the COR/PM is unsure about an appropriate response to a request for information or whether he or she should attend a meeting, the COR should contact the CO or an SOL attorney for guidance.
Public Information:
As a Government official and representative, a COR/PM may share information with industry that is available to the public. The following types of information are publicly available and are not considered confidential:
- Information concerning the identity and scope of work of other Government contracts;
- Information that the contractor has previously disclosed to the public;
- Information reproduced from public documents, such as RFP or other publically available DOL documents or publications; and
- Information concerning the identity of the incumbent contractor and the aggregate cost for the Government contract, as such information is posted on FedBizOpps.
Sensitive or Proprietary Information:
The following types of information must be treated as confidential, assuming the information was not made public by the Government and disclosure is not otherwise required by law, statute or regulation:
- Information that would disclose a firm's approach to performing contract work;
- Information that would disclose a firm's plan to manage a contract, including subcontracting;
- Information concerning a firm's relevant experience and expertise, except for general information regarding the firm's Government-sponsored contracts, grants or agreements that is public information;
- Information concerning the identities or qualifications of specific employees, consultants, subcontractors, and subcontractor employees that a firm proposes to use in performing the contract work;
- Information concerning a firm's proprietary processes, devices, software, organization of reports, analyses, etc.;
- Information concerning a firm's accounting methods or practices; and
- Information that would disclose a firm's labor rates, salaries, overhead costs, general and administrative costs, fee or profit policies, and amounts.
Training efforts for employees will include the dissemination of internal guidance and feedback to ensure effective use of communication approaches with the vendor community. Information to facilitate public awareness for vendors will include postings on the Federal Business Opportunities website, agency website or through other means (i.e., brochures).
Links to Existing Applicable Policies
To facilitate communications with industry, the Department has long maintained a Small Business Procurement Power Page on its website.
That site contains a wealth of information of use to all businesses. To facilitate communication with industry it includes:
- Information on upcoming vendor outreach sessions;
- The Department's Annual Acquisition Plan and Procurement Forecast; and
- Listings of agency information technology managers, agency small business specialists, training officers and purchase card holders, including phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
Requirements for vendor communication prior to solicitation will also be worked into applicable Departmental Manual series chapters as they are updated.
Plans to Follow-up with Employees and Industry Representatives
The Department will conduct surveys to follow-up with employees and industry representatives regarding vendor communications sessions to identify lessons learned and areas in need of improvement. The Department routinely conducts a follow-up survey to its regularly scheduled Vendor Outreach Sessions whereby industry may provide feedback.


text:
The work of a Fairmont State University School of Fine Arts faculty member is highlighted at the Huntington Museum of Art as part of the exhibit, "Macy's Presents: A Sense of Place: The West Virginia Sesquicentennial Artist Invitational," which celebrates West Virginia's sesquicentennial.
Jennifer Boggess, Associate Professor of Art and Coordinator of the Department of Art at FSU, is among 18 participating artists featured in the exhibit. Boggess' piece in the exhibit is titled "Yard of Canvas." All the exhibit participants teach in West Virginia colleges and universities, affording them a unique perspective in that they work closely with West Virginia students from a variety of backgrounds and places within the state.
The exhibit will be on display at the museum through Sept. 22. For more information on events at HMA, visit www.hmoa.org or call (304) 529-2701. HMA is fully accessible.
This exhibit will present many artistic viewpoints – not only in style (traditional vs. cutting edge contemporary) and chosen media (painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video, etc.), but also in the amount of time the artist has spent in the state absorbing "a sense of place." Many of the invited artists were born, reared, and have always lived in West Virginia, however, some are recent (and not-so-recent) transplants from other states and other countries.
HMA asked the invited artists to create works in their preferred medium and in their unique personal style using "sense of place" as a broad guide, referring to this theme as an intensely personal response to the environment, both social and natural, which the individual experiences in daily life. This sense can also refer to the individual's perception of the whole state, and feelings, attitudes, and influences living, working, and residing in West Virginia.
This exhibit is another way for HMA to support West Virginia artists and expand visitors' knowledge and familiarity of artists working within the state. It is also a wonderful way for the Museum to celebrate the 150th anniversary of West Virginia's statehood.
In addition to Boggess, the participating artists are: Christian Benefiel, Shepherd University; James Biggs, Concord University; Andy Bloxham, West Virginia Wesleyan College; Liza Brenner, Glenville State College; Michael Doig, Davis & Elkins College; Molly S. Erlandson, West Virginia State University; Sonya Evanisko, Shepherd University; James Haizlett, West Liberty University; Hayson Harrison, Marshall University; Grant Johnson, Alderson-Broaddus College; Natalie Larsen, Marshall University; Peter Massing, Marshall University; Mark Tobin Moore, Concord University; Kenneth Morgan, Bethany College; Erika Osborne, West Virginia University; Dr. Reidun Ovrebo, West Virginia State University; and Michael Sherwin, West Virginia University
Jenine Culligan, organizing curator, will visit each artist's studio, as will Education Assistant Brad Boston, who will create a travelogue of his journey, documenting his visit to studios, schools and towns throughout the state.
The exhibit is presented by Macys, and sponsored by the Isabelle Gwynn and Robert Daine Exhibition Endowment; the West Virginia Division of Culture and History; and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. The program is presented with support from the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts.


text:
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May 19th, 2019
May 19th, 2019
David DeChristopher
May 18th, 2019
Coming soon... Joan De Bot Joan De Bot is a Dutch artist currently living in New York. She started her career as a painter of systematical art, large canvases filled with patterns and grids. After a period of free expressionism she set out to travel, painted and exhibited landscapes and cityscapes from the places she came across underway. When she visited Australia she fell in love with the wild, seemingly systematically organized Australian landscape and modern aboriginal art. Hereby inspired, she gradually returned to a variation on the themes she had exploited before, patterns and grids. In the last couple of years she has started to make textile designs. Recently she has also started to make fashion designs.
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