Otto Rogers
Otto Donald Rogers, a well-known Canadian painter and sculptor, died on April 28 in Picton, Ont., after a brief illness.
Rogers was born in rural Saskatchewan to Victor and Mary Rogers on Nov. 19, 1935, and grew up on the family's wheat farm.
Otto Rogers made some of the most moving, beautiful works of art. They reflected his grounding in Western Canada, but in fact were universal. History will remember him as a towering figure, a grand contributor to the quest for deeply spiritual art. Personally, I will remember him as a kind and gracious man, modest and unassuming, despite his enormous talent and impact He inspired so many. He achieved so much. If all of us were to be so lucky to have conducted such a rich life.
̶ Jeffrey Spalding, consulting editor, Galleries West magazine
After studying at the Saskatoon Teachers’ College from 1952 to 1953, Roger's pursued a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin from 1953 to 1959.
It was while completing his graduate studies that he met his partner of 60 years, Barbara Nelson. He brought her back to the Prairies, and accepted a teaching position at the University of Saskatchewan, where he remained for 29 years.
Always a spiritual seeker, Rogers embraced the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith in 1960. Throughout his life, the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh infused every aspect of his life.
In particular, the idea of unity in diversity became a foundational principle of his art. From 1988 to 1998, Rogers and his wife lived and worked in Haifa, Israel, where he held the position of counsellor at the Bahá'í World Centre.
During this time, he travelled throughout the world, tirelessly promoting Bahá'í teachings. He returned to Canada in 1998, setting up his home and studio in Ontario's Prince Edward County.
His work is held in more than 30 public collections, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
His funeral will be held in Picton on May 1.
Source: Whattam Funeral Home
