Artist-Teacher Dies Suddenly

Barbara Sheidler Bartholomew, visiting assistant professor of art, died from a sudden cardiac event on September 11, 2007, at age 65. She had taught painting and drawing at Lewis & Clark since 1994.

"Barbara was a great artist, a brilliant teacher, and a kind and wonderful person," says Benjamin David, assistant professor of art history and chair of the art department. "She will be deeply missed."

Bartholomew grew up near Mansfield, Ohio. She earned her B.F.A. at Kent State University and her M.F.A. at the University of Washington. She was married to Robert Geddes, and their son, Cameron Geddes, was born in 1973. They subsequently reared Cameron together after their divorce.

Over the course of her career, Bartholomew taught at Portland State University, Marylhurst University, and Linfield College. She also had a special, enduring interest in Asia and traveled as an invited guest professor in Japan and China.

Following news of her death, Lewis & Clark's music department dedicated a concert in her honor, and the art department created a contemplative space with two of her paintings in the Fields Center for the Visual Arts.

A memorial service was held at Lewis & Clark on September 30.