Famed American Impressionist Painter Marilyn Bendell dead at 81

Marily Bendell, American Impressionist, Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Listed in Who's Who in American Art and Who's Who of American Women, passed away (very artistically) in Santa Fe, NM on May 18th. Connections: Chicago, Sarasota, Grand Ledge (MI).

For Immediate Release
Santa Fe, NM, May 26, 2003

Marilyn Bendell, a gifted and accomplished painter and teacher and one of America's foremost Impressionists, laid down the brush for the last time on Sunday, May 18th, 2003.

Ms. Bendell spent her final hours in her studio on a bluff overlooking the high desert and mountains of Santa Fe, happily applying the penultimate touches to her latest work. Pleased with the completed painting, she settled into her favorite chair, surrounded by natural and created beauty, her dogs at her feet and in the soft quiet of the New Mexican afternoon, closed her eyes in peaceful slumber one last time.

The vibrancy, warmth and fluidity of Ms. Bendell's extensive body of work was drawn from the luminous palette of her colorful life. Trained at the American Academy of Art, she achieved international renown and repute amongst collectors and admirers and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts in 1965. More accolades followed; listing in Who�s Who in American Art and Who�s Who of American Women.

She was a moving force in the development of the artistic community of Long Boat Key, FL; where she found additional expression as gifted mentor and teacher for generations of developing artists. After moving to Santa Fe, she continued to teach and generously share the lessons and insights of a lifetime until 1993 when she devoted herself to painting. She continued to cultivate young artists; giving private lessons as the spirit moved her. After the death of her husband, the painter George Burrows, Marilyn found new inspiration and pleasure collaborating with and encouraging her son, David Hyams, an accomplished artist in his own right.

Marilyn Bendell�s work is showing at the Sage Creek Gallery in Santa Fe; the Mountain Trails galleries in Park City, UT and Jackson Hole, WY; and the Weatherburn Gallery, Naples, FL.

In appreciation of her contributions of work and self to family, friends, admirers and the community, the family and Sage Creek Gallery, Santa Fe, will host a Marilyn Bendell Retrospective on the occasion of the artist�s birthday, Sept. 19th, continuing through Oct. 2nd, 2003. A reception for family, friends and close associates is planned during which Ms. Bendell�s final work will be shown publicly for the first time.

Contact:   Bendell@Fadingmage.com
      Michael McKenna    505-991-0912
      David Hyams    505-455-2501
Complete press packet including transparencies available on request.