Rick Grice leaves art legacy on island
By Dee Graham
Special to The Islander
Richard Allen Grice, 60, died July 23 in Bradenton.
He was a 34-year resident of Holmes Beach and an artist known for his mixed-media, collages and provocative works.
A native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Grice studied art at Gaston College in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
He was a familiar site at garage sales, where he collected odd items for repurposing in his creations. During one period, he utilized technology — CDs and computer wires — in his designs, including “Frank Trapped in the Art II,” which won second prize at the Longboat Key ClubExhibition in 2005.
His works often were exhibited at both the Anna Maria Island Art League, where he took the top prize in 2013 in the 19th Annual James Pay Exhibit with his mixed-media piece “Still Working.”
Also active in Bradenton’s Art Center Manatee, he took second place in June 2015, in the No Boundaries exhibit. The show dared artists to create work outside their comfort zones, to try something new, whether it be color, size/dimension, medium or subject.
His work can be seen at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, his final competition. Open until Aug. 13, the show is the 98th Anniversary Members’ Show at the gallery. Grice’s entry “The Critic,” is a consideration of heaven and hell.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date for early November.
Survivors include his partner of nearly 40 years, former islander Franklin Kittle, now of Bradenton; son Asaph Graham of Seminole; daughters Austin Judd and Charlotte Quandt of St. Petersburg; grandchildren Anthony Quandt Judd and Lila Shelby, both of St. Petersburg; three sisters; three brothers; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Artist Rick Grice with his work “Frank Trapped in the Art II.” Islander Courtesy Photo
Artist Rick Grice stands with his mixed-media work “Still Working,” which won the top prize in the 19th Annual James Pay exhibit at the Anna Maria Island Art League.
Artist Richard Grice seated below his “No Boundaries” entry with daughters Austin Graham Judd, left, and Charlotte Quandt, right, and grandson Anthony Quandt Judd.
Thelma M. Weismiller
Thelma M. Weismiller, 90, of Anna Maria, died July 22.
She was born in Detroit Oct. 31, 1925.
Donations may be made to TideWell Hospice. Condolences may be shared at www.griffithcline.com.
She is survived by daughter Carol Reeves and grandson Scott Franklin.