Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Sad News...


My first art teacher, Mrs. Dillard, passed away. She had Cynthia and Sheila in her classes as well. Some of the things she taught me will always be with me. Above is her Senior Class picture and a painting that she did of her grandmother's pansies.

Linda Dillard

Linda Kay Haas Dillard, 69, a 40-year resident of Maitland, Fla., and formerly of Annapolis, died at home in Oviedo, Fla., after a six-month illness.

Mrs. Dillard was born on April 3, 1938, in Belmont, Ohio. She was reared in Annapolis, graduating in 1956 from Annapolis High School. She earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in art education from the University of Central Florida and was an art teacher at Eastbrook Elementary School in Winter Park, Fla., for 24 years.

Survivors include one son, David Dillard of Oviedo; her father, Charles B. Haas of St. Michaels; two brothers, Charles H. Haas of Federalsburg and Michael Haas of Taneytown; and one sister, Martha Haas, of Deland, Fla. She was married in 1956 to Edward Dillard who died in 1981.

14 comments:

Barbara Bechtel said...

I'm sorry to hear that. I appreciate your experience, I carry the memories of my art teachers that I had as a youth as well. They continue to inspire me to this day.

Anonymous said...

I liked Mrs. Dillard. She was a good art teacher and a nice lady.

TesoriTrovati said...

How profound an effect teachers have on us when we are young. I am glad that Mrs Dillard made a difference in your life, especially fostering your love of art. To share your art is the best tribute to her.
Enjoy the day!
Erin

kate mckinnon said...

what a beautiful photograph.

I remember each and every one of the wonderful teachers I had, too.

Jeannie said...

The photos are beautiful.
When someone impacts your life like that, they will ALWAYS be with you.

Unknown said...

It pains the heart when we lose someone who so positively impacted our life, even if we haven't seen them for years or decades, doesn't it? Hugs to you for this sadness you are feeling.

Becca said...

That photograph is lovely. I often think of my first art teacher with nothing but warm thoughts. I can see that her teaching has touched your life, and in that sense she will live on. I am sorry for your loss.

Pretty Things said...

Oh how sad. Formerly of Annapolis -- that's 40 minutes from me.

Unknown said...

She looks like she was a lovely young Woman. I bet she was too! I miss my teachers as well. When we are 70 and 80 we will still all have those hearts of children where we miss what we had all those many years ago...
Im sorry shes gone too Andrew...ox

Lori P said...

What a sweet post. It's amazing how our early teachers inspired and mentored us. I clearly remember my inspirational art teacher from 7th grade!

artbylmr said...

The fact that you still remember her and felt you needed to pay tribute is a testiment to her as a teacher. I am sure she would be very honored.
Lynne

Andrew Thornton said...

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. Mrs. Dillard was great. I will always remember her lessons and her encouragement that I was an artist. Despite having had foot surgery right before, she still managed to make it to my senior show nearly a decade later after having me as a student. I've been trying to find the picture of her with Phi Yoba and me.

He was my high school art teacher and was the only one to believe in my talents in high school. I remember when the then head art teacher at the school said he didn't have time or want to instruct me for the college exams, that he didn't think I had what it took. Phi Yoba, with a ZERO budget and new to the school and having never worked with me before said, "Let's show them what you're made out of!" We had to dumpster dive for art supplies and worked out of a storage closet, but I ended up passing all my exams with flying colors AND won the highest county art award possible for a student. The foundations were laid with Mrs. Dillard, and built up by Phi Yoba. I feel lucky to have had such influential teachers early on.

Elizabeth said...

Thank you for highlighting your teachers. All teachers (including this one) appreciate it. The one thing every teacher dreams of is being remembered by their students.

Unknown said...

I'd like to Thank You all for your comments also.
Linda Dillard is my Sister, and she is very much missed. She loved her work as an Art teacher, and was very proud of her students and their accomplishments.

Martha (Haas)Underwood