New York-based gallerist, curator, and writer Amy Lipton (Art BFA 79) passed away on Dec. 6, 2020. She was 64. In 1986, Lipton opened Loughelton, her first commercial gallery, in SoHo with artist Barbara Broughel. Upon becoming the sole proprietor in 1990, it was renamed the Amy Lipton Gallery, which later evolved into Lipton/Owens Gallery….

Described by friends as no-nonsense, passionate, and fearless, Beth Bird (Integrated Media and Film/Video MFA 03) did not shy from controversial and potentially dangerous subjects in her films. When Bird enrolled at CalArts in 2000, she had already completed two documentaries: D2KLA (2000) about the sometimes violent protests outside the Democratic National Convention in Los…

Pioneering animator Brenda Banks (Film/Video BFA 71, MFA 73) passed away on Dec. 31, 2020. She was 72. Banks is recognized as an industry trailblazer for being one of the first Black women animators in America. Throughout her career, she lent her talents to iconic characters such as The Smurfs, Scooby-Doo, Charlie Brown, among others,…

Chouinardian designer, surfer, and creator of the Meyers Manx fiberglass dune buggy Bruce Meyers passed away on Feb. 19, 2021. He was 94. Meyers was born in 1926 in Los Angeles, and grew up around popular surfing spots in Southern California. After serving in the Merchant Marine, Meyers attended Chouinard Art Institute. Meyers credited his…

Film, television, and video game talent agent Cheryl Tiano (Music BFA 84) passed away on Nov. 2, 2020. She was 59. Tiano spent 27 years as an agent representing film, television, and game composers through the Gorfaine-Schwartz Agency (GSA), where she was crucial to the development of its video games and interactive division. Born in…

Writer and producer Chris Olson (Film/Video BFA 80) passed away on April 2021. At CalArts, Olson studied writing and directing for film and television. Among his mentors was Alexander Mackendrick, the prominent director and founding dean of the School of Film/Video at CalArts. Olson served as a writer and researcher on various iconic game shows…

Venerated animator, studio owner, and CalArts faculty Dale Baer (Chouinard 70) passed away on Jan. 15, 2021. He was 70.  With a career spanning more than five decades, Baer contributed to various beloved animated works, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), The Lion King (1994), The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), The Princess and the Frog…

Actor and activist Felecia Lenee Williams (Theater BFA 02), also known as Fe Love, passed away on March 3, 2021. She was 40. Committed to the power of arts and community partnerships, Williams served on the leadership teams of CompassionateCalifornia.org and Emerging Arts Leaders/Los Angeles (EAL/LA). She founded the Dena United Coalition for Racial Justice,…

Prolific musical and theater artist Josh Chambers (Theater MFA 06) passed away on Feb. 12, 2021. He was 45. Described by his cousin singer-songwriter Val Haynes as an “explosion of talent,” Chambers wore many hats, including playwright, musician, composer, sound engineer, and collage artist. He began his career as a theater major and classical guitar…

Film director and influential former School of Film/Video faculty Monte Hellman passed away on April 20, 2021. He was 91.  Arguably best known for his road film Two-Lane Blacktop (1971), Hellman’s works are often celebrated as cult favorites. Though the films credited to him were few and far between, Hellman is lauded as a hero…

Nola Perla (Chouinard 56), also known as Joy Figen, passed away last July. She was 86. Perla’s daughter Jill Zamoyta offered the following remembrance:  Chouinard was the defining experience of her life, and she credits being able to attend a school where she finally was able to be with “her people,” artists, with saving her…

Internationally renowned flutist and educator Paul Taub (Music MFA 78) passed away on March 13, 2021. He was 68.  Taub is credited as a pioneer of Seattle’s new music community and an influential educator, reflected by a passion for music matched by his dedication to fostering emerging talent. Taub studied Instrumental Performance in Flute during…