Yesterday, Barbara Bradley was feted in Bradley Hall, after her drawing class. It was her 80th birthday and her next to last class before her retirement from teaching at the Academy of Art University. BB has been inspiring artists for 50 years at the Academy, essentially founding the School of Illustration, those decades ago, when I was barely scrawling with crayons, and now she is stepping away, a great voice going silent, mostly, and leaving all of us to carry on in her stead. Before that reality set in, we celebrated her life and contribution to all our successes as illustrative artists, for without her guidance and instruction none of the many illustration alums would have had the amazing careers they have had. As her former student, her co-faculty, and her friend, I will miss her deeply as a regular presence in Bradley Hall. I look forward to seeing what she draws next, unfettered from the chains of academia, and having her guiding spirit make visits in the next incarnation as a guest lecturer on special occasions.
Photograph is a mix of alumni and faculty, missing would be Bill Sanchez who showed up moments later.

photograph courtesy of Amber Lynn Nelson