The first time Rachel Garrick caught my attention, it was in October 2010, at the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association’s Fall for Arts show. In my review for the local newspaper, I noted her “…sweetly poetic pairing of watercolors, Boathouse in Central Park and Bridge of Central Park, are deeply colored reminders of the solitudes of summer in the city’s most available escape.”
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Rachel was a young 80, then, still painting vivid images for every RIVAA show. But sadly, the newspaper I wrote for then went out of business, taking the photographs from the articles with them.
In my review for Vernissage XV, I wrote, “Diversity is a RIVAA hallmark as we see in Rachel Garrick’s Blue Havoc. Shades of blue seem to struggle to break free of each other in an element tightly bound at the center of an otherwise cheerful canvas.”
As time passed, Rachel painted fewer pictures without ever losing her love for art or her attachment to RIVAA. RIVAA’s artists’ collective mounted new shows routinely. Although she wasn’t represented in all of them, she was always there.
She oversaw the table of snacks and beverages at all the openings.
She was always ready with some playful banter – about how much wine I could have or her own artwork.
Always, her easy smile and the twinkle in her eye made everyone welcome.
We Lost Rachel Garrick on February 8th, 2023
Many of us mourn the loss of our friend and share our sadness with her loving family. Her family posted this obituary.
And RIVAA, on behalf of her friends and admirers on Roosevelt Island, adds its own memorial tribute on Monday, February 13th.
It is with great sadness that the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association announces the passing of our beloved RIVAA member and longtime Roosevelt Island resident, Rachel Garrick. Rachel passed away in Florida on February 8,2023 at the age of 93. Her family was by her side at the time of her death.
Rachel’s gentle nature and cheerful disposition will be missed by all who knew her.
Rachel was a RIVAA member from its early years. She considered the gallery her second home.
In honor of her wishes, a memorial celebrating her life is being held by her daughters with us at RIVAA Gallery 527 Main St., Roosevelt Island on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 5PM.
Gallery RIVAA
I’ll be there and hope you can find time to be there too.
About Author
