Christie was our dear friend, family member, acquaintance, and colleague.

All of us who loved her know that her presence in our lives enriched us. We knew her as a kind and gentle soul and a strong-willed woman with a wonderful, understated sense of humor. We admired her intellectual intelligence and her gift as an artist. Christie had great compassion for others and cherished the belief that she could inspire those around her with her work.

Christie loved art; she loved words, painting, literature, poetry, art history and art culture. Throughout her life, the burden of her mental health struggles was tempered by this love. She found strength and inner peace in her artistic process and her identification as an artist brought her happiness and gave her purpose.

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Some of Christie’s paintings were featured as part of a group show that took place in Burlington, Vermont this winter. She wrote the following artist statement for the show’s program:

I grew up in New York City, and began my career as an artist in high school. In my sophomore year at Barnard College, I took a class with Milton Resnick. I have been a member of the Arts Collective for six years, and am active in the Burlington community and volunteer for several non-profit organizations. I graduated from Burlington College and earned an Independent Major in Art from Goddard College.

Engaging in art gives me emotional power. As a woman, it gives me voice. I use acrylic, watercolor, pen, and ink in my artwork. My work is influenced by Wolf Kahn, Robert Huntoon, and local artists Janet Fredericks and Ed Owre. Art and the creative process has helped me get through difficult times. Because of that, I can be an inspiration to others. When I am creating art, I am happy.

Leave a reply below with your story or poem.