Beth Avary in Memorium
In loving memory of Beth Avary (nee Schaefer) 14th of April, 1941 — May 4th, 2008.
Born Mary Elizabeth Schaefer in Indianapolis, Indiana to Edward George and Mildred Virginia Schaefer (nee Patterson). A painter since the age of 4, Beth studied art at the Chicago Art Institute and Northwestern University before graduating cum laude from the California College of Arts and Crafts. As a flight attendant ferrying troops to Vietnam she met Air Force pilot Donald Davis Avary, whom she later married.
Beth and Don dropped roots in the San Francisco Bay Area where they raised three children, Diana Kimberly Avary, Arthur Colbert Avary, and Eric Roberts Avary. Beyond these Beth is also survived by her daughter-in-law Michelle Lynne Avary (nee French), wife of Eric and mother to Beth’s grandson, Beckett Roberts Avary, as well as her loving partner, Bill Slay, of Boulder Creek, California.
During the family years Beth remained committed to her art which was inspired by the works of symbolist painters. Her work explored various genres of art, including Visionary, Space, and Fantasy before settling on a celebration of landscapes that she termed Naturalistic Expressionism.
“Painting is a form of communication that is different than words… You always grow as an artist. There is never an end to the growth, and what keeps me going is the feeling that I’ve accomplished something and mastered something new. It’s such a joy to paint because you see a painting evolve and manifest, and you never know exactly how it’s going to turn out.”
In April of this year Beth was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma. She fought bravely and gracefully with the same open and optimistic attitude that she had maintained throughout her life. She remains an inspiration to all who’ve known her.
The Avary family will hosting gatherings throughout the day of Saturday, June 7th, beginning as early as 11:30 Am at Dinah?s Garden Hotel, followed by a 2:00 PM memorial at Alta Mesa Cemetery in Palo Alto, California.
No flowers, please! If you feel moved to give something, please consider donating to The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 am
I am diminished by your loss.
I was a chapter in your life as you were in mine. An important and continuing one.
What a ride we had! Wheeee!
And … those luminescent beings we created. What utter joy they are.
We done good Toots.
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Our friendship brought us together in some of the most beautiful places on Earth?places where you felt the presence of the Divine?mostly on top of mountains.
I?ll always remember standing within a few feet of Beth one late afternoon at Lick Observatory, both of us painting and trying to capture the changing light and shadows on the many domes of that small city on the mountain top. Although we were in clear light, the clouds made the distant mountains disappear. It was as if we were alone together, just chatting and painting on top of the world. It was a splendid time.
And at Palomar Observatory, I remember standing outside the 18? telescope, painting the awesome presence of the 200? dome. I was in the brilliant July sunlight, and Beth was seated about 50 feet away in the deep shadow of the trees. I couldn?t even see her, but I knew she was there as we quietly worked away the afternoon.
I loved the way that Beth?s art could become totally involved with the roots of a tree, the play of leaves and light, or a particular rock formation. It was wonderful to see her observations from nature appear in her beautiful, symbolist paintings. Her dreamscape paintings are based on visual truth, which brings them strength and veracity. I would sometimes see a finished painting and would know the particular tree, or the series of rocks, because I had stood beside her when she studied them.
One of our best moments was at a second painting trip to Palomar in October 1998, when Beth and I had found our painting spot at the Burn Pile. We were several feet apart, in splendid isolation, concentrating on our paintings of the 60? dome and vibrant landscape. I?ll always remember having a moment of sheer joy in the place, the project, and the company, calling out to Beth, ?Everyone else is at work, and we?re on top of a mountain, Painting!?
Beth and I had the fortunate gift of sharing many such quiet, happy moments: at Lick, Palomar, and Griffith Observatories, in Iceland, at her mountain-top home in Boulder Creek, CA, in Washington, DC, Annapolis, MD, and at my home here in Arlington, VA. I traveled to more places with Beth than with any other painter friend. I dearly love her. She understood how to live in the moment, how to be happy, productive, and at peace. Hers was a life well lived.
Beth will always be with me whenever I?m on top of a mountain.
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
We are priviledged to have Beth visit us once. She could see magic in places, people and time. It was clear to me without discussion before I saw her work. Every day I notice what beautiful work she left behind with me. Thank you Beth.
May 26th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Beth, you are one of the first American women I met when I came to this country in 1973. Your softness of speech, kindness, humor, giggles and mischievous glances will stay and enchant me forever.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
The most enduring memory I have of Beth was her unique sense of humor. One evening, long ago at Sioux Way, she joked about the silly names that people sometimes give each other. She spontaneously came up with “my little butterfly wing”, “my cumquat” and “my little apricot pit”…I can see those words coming out of her mouth with such gentleness and yet a twinkle in her eye. We all laughed….
I also remember her delicious chili, the always open door to the home, and of course, the astoundingly creative art. Most importantly, though, I’m thankful for the presence in my life of her three incredible children, whose love, I’m grateful to say, has touched me many times.
God bless her, God bless the family.
Rest in peace, dear Beth.
June 4th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Adagio - Marcello
A song dedication for Beth.
The Marcello- Adagio
A song from my heart to hers.
Sandra Moore
Four Eagles Gallery
June 5th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Beth was an artist’s artist and a dear friend who lit every room with her generous and gentile energy, yet with a fierce independence that was the legacy of her great creative heroism.
When our work is done here, and we are called, the great adventure continues. I am sure she has gone to the next challenge with benefit of the great love and beauty she has created here. My humble hope is that I will meet her again along the great path and sit to paint with her the incredible beauty each life graces us with, to share.
“Don’t be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” Richard Bach, from the book “Illusions”
We are maybe less without her, yet more for having known and loved her.
Garret and Sandra Moore / Four Eagles Gallery
July 15th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Oh, I’m so sorry!
I just found this news now, and am still in a bit of shock over it.
I first met Beth at a Contact Conference in early 1993, just 2 months after moving to California, and was struck by the beauty & vision of her work. Years later, we reconnected when she moved to Boulder Creek, where Stacie and I lived at the time.
I was always inspired by her work, and used to love visiting the house and seeing what she was working on. I still have one of her prints up on the wall at our place. (I’ve also kept all of the Christmas cards over the years!
)
Please accept our condolences, and best wishes through this difficult time, and feel free to contact us, Kim, when things have settled down.
Patrick Salsbury & Stacie Wolny
January 6th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
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