Betty was also a member of the California Gold Coast Watercolor Society, and shared her love of the often difficult art medium.Sue Gerding Ricards considered herself a maker of art objects using non-conventional materials. Sue, who passed away Aug. 11 at age 56, majored in art at Skidmore College, NY, and graduated with honors.As an exchange student in Japan, Sue became fascinated with the Zen aspects of Sumi-E (Japanese brush painting). Sue also taught art to children and adults.Sue was well known for her three-dimensional contemporary works and installations, including one of her more notable works, “Barriers,” at the John Nichols Gallery. She applied her diverse talents to filmmaking, ceramics, photography, environmental and multi-media projects.Blanchard Community Library, 119 N. 8th St., is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The library is closed Friday and Sunday.
Bousman, McDonald, Gerding-Ricards: SPSA Memorial Show at BCL
November 29, 2002
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesA special Santa Paula Society of the Arts memorial exhibit of the fine art of three of its late members, each who had their own distinctive style.The Memorial Show featuring the artwork of Ellie Bousman, Betty McDonald and Sue Gerding Ricards will be displayed on the Douglas Shively Wall at Blanchard Community Library from Dec. 1 through Jan. 30, 2003.“This exhibit is our special memorial to Ellie, Betty and Sue and the contributions they made to the art community,” said Virginia Gunderson of the SPSA.Ellie Bousman was a SPSA founding member in 1968. Although not active in recent years, Ellie was anticipating the return to watercolors upon the retirement of her husband, Tom Bousman. The couple, residents of Santa Paula for 49 years, were moving to Pasadena when Ellie, 73, died suddenly following surgery on Aug. 10th.Ellie painted in oils, acrylics and watercolors, and enjoyed a variety of crafts, including crafting unique pod and pinecone wreaths eagerly sought out by collectors.Elizabeth “Betty” McDonald passed away Aug. 7 at the age of 86. Betty was a registered nurse who settled in Santa Paula with her husband, Dr. M.S. “Mac” McDonald in 1959.An avid painter, Betty joined the SPSA shortly after its founding and proved to be a dedicated member, holding many elective offices, volunteering at the Depot Gallery and editing the newsletter for many years. Betty entered - and won - many competitions and was suggesting SPSA fundraisers and improvements up to her death.
