In the early to mid 1990s Rae served for eight years on the national board of the Women’s Caucus for Art, the nation’s oldest and largest multidisciplinary women’s art organization. During much of that time she was the Vice President in charge of Chapter Development. She put together board and organizational development materials that are still a model of clarity and usability. She and Math also traveled to Philadelphia at no small cost to themselves to the organization’s headquarters to computerize the office and membership database. I have been receiving messages from artists around the country saddened by her loss and I share some of them here.
My heart is heavy yet my spirit flies with her………….she will always be a part of my work. Future Akins, artist, Lubbock, Texas
How sad that someone whose art was so vibrant should die so young. I will never forget how lovely the piece she did for the women’s studies conference exhibit was, or her magical series of brooms. I hope that there will be a major retrospective of her work and a catalogue to document it. I would certainly enjoy owning one and would enjoy teaching students about her work. It makes one reflect on how the work of many important women artists is not sufficiently documented. My condolences go to everyone who has known and loved Rae at this sad moment. Gail Tremblay, artist, poet, and professor, Evergreen State, and past national president of the WCA
Rae Atira-Soncea, woman of heart and woman of art. She was an amazing presence wherever she went. I recall going to the WCA National board meetings and other events and watching Rae share her powerful spirit with all of us. We will miss her. I will miss her. Flo Oy Wong, artist, Sunnydale, California
I didn’t know Rae very well, but I loved her work! This is very sad and a terrible loss. Please accept my condolences. It is wonderful that you are working on a retrospective that was started while Rae was still alive… Susan Noyes Platt, art historian and critic, Seattle, Washington
I’m so sorry to hear about Rae. I have such fond memories of working with her on the board of WCA. Susan Grabel Rappaport, artist, New York City
We have lost Rae. She was a wonderful artist and inspiration to so many. Ruth Waters, sculptor, and Founder & Director at 1870 Art Center, Belmont, CA
Oh, this is the saddest news. What a wonderful, smart and insightful woman. Margaret McDowell, artist, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
I am sorry to hear the news about Rae. She was a very fine and powerful artist. I’m glad I got a chance to see the show you had together at the Commonwealth Gallery in Madison. Thanks for letting me know. My sympathy and blessings to her family. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Katherine Rogers, artist, Minneapolis
Thank you so much for letting me know of Rae’s untimely passing. I hope the retrospective and catalog is realized. At least there should be a record of her wonderful work. Jean Towgood, artist, Los Angeles, and past national president of the national WCA
Rae Atira-Soncea had a vibrant personality and generous spirit. She will be
missed. Te acompaño en los sentimientos– my spirit is with you in this very sad
time. Imna Arroyo, artist, professor, Connecticut, and past national president of the WCA.
Very sad news. It reminds me of just how tenuous life can be. Please keep me up to date on the progress of her show and catalog-we all need to remember this very special person–Life is a journey and it is sad that her journey has ended-but the legacy of her work and life will continue on in all of us whose life she touched. Ann Webb, artist, Houston, TX
As I grow older, I am constantly reminded of the brevity of our lives on earth. Rae was a powerful voice. She taught me so much…….and she was there, for us, when we needed her voice. Jo Hockenull, artist, Independence, Oregon
I am so saddened to hear about Rae. A powerful soul has left and her spot will be empty forever. Betsy Damon, artist, New York