Page 38 - FLAG Sanibel Symposium 2009 catalog FINAL.pdf

In Memory of
Fred Lawrence Messersmith
1924-2009
Story written by Harry Messersmith
Fred's dedication to his teaching was his life's passion. The privilege of working with
creative minds is one that he always treasured. He inspired many to pursue a career in art simply by his life example. His enthusiasm for creating art was boundless and was reflected by his continuous production of art for over sixty years.
A regionalist, an abstract expressionist, a journeyman painter he was. He never refused anyone’s request to do a
painting or drawing. He designed and painted detailed illustrations of Stetson campus buildings for the president’s Christmas card for thirty years. Stetson now owns this collection of thirty original watercolors. Fred was one of the founders of the Florida Watercolor Society. He was elected to the American Watercolor Society in 1958 and became a Life Member. He was also a charter member of the Florida Artist Group and the National Watercolor Honor Society.
Fred had two one-man art shows in New York City, two in Florence, Italy and one in London. He was honored with shows at Ohio Wesleyan University and West Virginia Wesleyan. His paintings are collected by several museums permanent collections. Fred loved taking his art students to Italy during Stetsons’ mini semester in January. Fred retired from Stetson in 1989 after thirty years severing as chairman. He continued teaching painting workshops around the country.
Fred was a great father to his six children and loved family life. His many talents included his love of sports, the theatre, he acted and directed plays, golf and music namely playing the trumpet
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