From Judith Rice-Jones -

In honor of Gerry Riggs

Many thanks to those who arranged the moving tribute to Gerry.  The number of his friends and fans was impressive as was the breadth of his interests and friendships.   Gerry was an exceptionally genuine and authentic individual and everyone recognized this quality in him.

  

I didn’t hear anyone address Gerry’s recognition of the beauty of our campus and its unique site opposite Pikes Peak.  At a past exhibit, Gerry displayed a number of his photos of the wonderful rock formations on the bluffs.   Gerry often hiked all of the 500 plus acres of our campus and knew the unique beauty spots and exquisite view corridors that many have never seen or fully appreciated.

I believe it was this recognition of the specialness of our site and topography that bonded Gerry and Dot Heller.  Like Virginia Trembly, Dot and Larry Heller loved the land and its topography.  Dot was a founding member of the local Horticultural Arts Society and though she planted iris and lilacs immediately adjacent to their home she knew enough to appreciate the rich diversity of the plant life on their property and thus preserved the native plant communities.  With the loss of Gerry and the earlier loss last fall of Martha Mattoon, two people who knew Dot Heller and her hopes for her land are gone.

Gerry also took the time to fulfill a specific request of Dot’s.  When Larry died, Dot had scattered his ashes on the Heller land.  She had asked the same for herself but instead her ashes were buried next to the headstone for her and Larry.  After the service, Gerry disinterred her ashes and scattered them as Dot had requested.

From Alina Padilla-Miller-

Gerry was a significant part of my life while I was working towards my undergrad degree. I worked for Gerry for two years as a curator assistant and it was one of the best experiences of my time in Colorado Springs. I miss him and the gallery. Thank you Gerry for making a mark on my life that has forever changed my direction. You gave me a lantern and I continue to use it.

Messages from the gallery registry -

Gerry was ever present at shows for new artists.  He supported us with his presence and words.

- Tim Davis

Gerry was a gentleman, a pro, a working man. I enjoyed every moment I spent with him, and I respected him immensely.  

- Malcolm McCollum

We’ll miss your friendship, your spirit, your igloos and the tunes.  

- Val & Dean Schoenherr  

You bro.  

- no name given

Thanks, Gerry!  

- no name given

We love you Gman!  

- Marco and Stephanie Tirman

An inspiration for energy and art! We thank you Gerry!!  

- M. Osborn.

Gerry, you were a great friend to many Denver artists.  We will miss your smile and great shows.  

- Sandy Toland

Gerry was there for me during the time that we taught together at UCCS whatever problem.  

- Dawn Wilde

Ten years after working with Gerry in the Gallery Management Program at UCCS, he remains a continual inspiration for me of dedication, professionalism, and the goofy relaxed attitude that it takes to pull it all together.  

- Doug Beechwood

I appreciate that you taught me how to play the drums…sort of.  Thanks.

- Will Small

Hi Gerry.  Did you hear Obama won? I’m still going to make a lot of crazy art and there’ll be a little part of you in every piece.  Thanks for all the camaraderie, consultation, conversation, critiquing, comfort, concern, congratulations, collaborations, and commingling over the years. I love you and miss you.

 

- Kat Tudor

In Gerry's words -

“There’s a need for art that connects us to each other.  You go far enough back in any culture, and you find these rituals, these ways of bringing people together.  I think that connectedness is so important to us.  It always has been, you know; the rituals tell us that.”

- Gerry Riggs  

Thanks to Judith Rice-Jones for sending this in.

The Colorado Springs Tribute to Gerry, UCCS Gallery of Contemporary Art, January 23, 2009.

The Colorado Springs tribute to Gerry drew people from Denver, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Florida, Pagosa and Colorado Springs and points between & beyond.  Gerry's family from Oklahoma City were there.  Musicians from Pagosa and Colorado Springs jammed for hours.  Gerry's drums and skis were there along with some of his famous photo documents of the many people who ever attended one of his gallery events or skiing excursions.  College of Letters Arts and Sciences Dean Tom Christensen emceed the evening.  Twenty speakers took advantage of the open mic telling stories about Gerry's dynamism.  It was proposed that the gallery be renamed in his honor.

The event went quite well.  Many wonderful and timely things were said.  People who hadn't seen one another since Gerry retired in 2006 were reconnected.  Witnessing the crowd and feeling the magnitude of Gerry's reach in the community was profound and illuminating.  I think the process of accepting Gerry's passing was helped by this gathering and a renewed sense of community will carry forward - a sense of community that only Gerry Riggs can take credit for.  

Photos by Jeff Foster/UCCS

Chancellor Pam Shockley Zalabak spoke to a crowd of over 300 people

VAPA Department Chair, Suzanne MacAulay

Local Artist Dave Voth

One of many musicians there that night

From Victoria Montana Ryan -

"It was always fun to stand slightly in the wake of Gerry's bright light.  It's a little darker now but if you look up at the twinkling stars you'll recall the twinkling eyes and know that he will always remain with us - in our hearts"
Miss you G.

Link -

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