Artists, Friends Remember Gaye Wolfe

Artist Gaye Wolfe works on the skeleton of a gray whale at the Pratt Museum (photo courtesy of the Pratt Museum)

     Gaye Wolfe, one of Homer’s most prominent artists and a tireless advocate for the arts in Homer, passed away in Anchorage on October 14th.  On Sunday she was honored at a multi-phase celebration of her life.

     It began with a memorial service in Pioneer Hall at the College in a  room so crammed full people they poured out into the hallway, straining to hear words of praise and remembrance from friends and family.  It soon became clear that this was a woman who embraced life to the fullest throughout her 67 years. 

Friend and fellow artist Mavis Muller who hosted the service said, “Gaye made everybody feel like they were somebody.”  

     Asia Freeman, Director of the Bunnell Street Arts Center where Wolfe was on the board, wrote that “She whirled like a comet, bright and strong.”  

     After the service people made a procession around town, starting with her studio next to the college.

     Lindianne Sarno stood on a curb in the parking lot and played "Ashokan Farewell" for her friend Gaye.

     As the procession moved to Homer City Hall, where two of Gaye’s paintings are on display, I caught up with former Homer Chamber of Commerce Director Tina Day.  She says Gaye helped her early on in the job.

     At the Pratt Museum parking lot, Muller presided over a fire-art enactment of honor and release in which an intricately woven basket casket she created was the centerpiece.

     The flames burned hot and strong—a fitting tribute.