Edison College lost a tremendous friend overnight with the passing of world-renowned artist Robert Rauschenberg.
A message from the Director
For many of us in Southwest Florida, the passing of Bob Rauschenberg is a personal loss. We called Bob our friend. Yes, he was an enormous figure in the art world, but at the same time, he was one of us—an individual who chose to live and work in Southwest Florida. When he traveled the world for exhibitions and projects, he looked forward to returning to his home and studio on Captiva Island, where he was surrounded by close friends and the natural environment he loved.
Edison College’s relationship with Bob began in 1980, with his first exhibit in the Gallery of Fine Art. Over a span of 28 years, the gallery hosted 14 exhibits of Bob’s work, most of which were world premiere events. Works displayed included introductions of several components of The ¼ Mile or 2 Furlong Piece, the American premier of A Quake in Paradise (Labyrinth) as well as numerous series that Bob worked on including Spreads and Scales, Salvage, Gluts, Short Stories, Scenarios and Runts.
I had the privilege of working with Bob and his staff on six separate exhibitions. With each show, I tried to thank Bob for exhibiting in this gallery, but he wouldn't hear of it. Instead, he insisted on thanking me for giving him the opportunity to show his work. His generosity touched me deeply and will remain with me always.
In 2004, Bob humbly and graciously accepted the naming of the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery by Edison College’s District Board of Trustees. Edison College is the place where the community came to see his art, to meet him and to talk with him. But it is also where Bob came to connect with the community. Southwest Florida will always have this gallery to connect with and remember Bob, and it will be Edison College’s honor to perpetuate his love of art and his personal legacy.
Bob Rauschenberg was a giant in the art world and a cornerstone of the 20th century. Bob’s loss is being felt by his friends on campus, throughout Fort Myers and across the globe. His lifelong compassion, generosity and consciousness have touched millions of people world wide.
We miss him.
Ron Bishop, Director
Bob Rauschenberg Gallery |
