Dear CCA Community,

We have lost an exceptional artist and dear friend to artists, students, and our community with the passing of Wayne Thiebaud on Saturday, December 25 at the age of 101. It is impossible to imagine the Bay Area art community without the vision and generosity of this artist and educator, whose work and teaching influenced generations. 

A professor on the UC Davis faculty for many years, Wayne also directly touched the CCA community. He was our neighbor, with a second home and studio in Potrero Hill. He was awarded an honorary degree in 1972, and in 2019, as the honoree for CCA’s annual spring gala, he helped raise more than $1 million for student scholarships. Since learning of Wayne’s passing this weekend, I’ve heard from many of you who remember his generosity, kindness, and good humor as he joined us for that event, which will always hold a special place among CCA’s collective memories.

Most of all, though, we’ll remember his art—his extraordinary paintings, many of which are on view in museums throughout the Bay Area (and around the world), as well as his prolific body of prints and drawings. 

Wayne left us at 101 years of age, yet no matter how much we prepare, the loss of someone so dear comes as a shock. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to honor him. My thoughts are with his family and friends who loved him dearly. We are fortunate indeed to have counted him as a member of our community. 

Sincerely,

Steve Beal