Remembering Our Friend Stephen Gyermek (1930 – 2016)

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Stephen (Istvan/Pista) Agoston Gyermek (Nov. 9, 1930 – Oct. 26, 2016) was a fourth generation artist from Hungary who lived and worked across four countries including Holland, Spain and the United States of America.  He was true Master Artist producing significant bodies of work in design, drawing, painting, printmaking and stained glass.  In addition he was a celebrated Art Historian, Museum Director and Professor. For nearly 50 years Stephen was a prominent and esteemed member of the educational and creative communities of San Joaquin County.  In 2011, the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts premiered Kunstlerleben – From Budapest to the Valley – Stephen Gyermek Retrospective (June 25th through July 23rd, 2011).

The exhibition featured works from Stephen’s life from age 10 to the present, and was met with celebration and acclaim attracting visitors from across America. To have known Stephen was a great gift… he could charm you with a vast understanding of world history, speaking across seven languages, while making you contemplate and laugh at the same time!The Record’s Michael Fitzgerald has written a story in Stephen’s honor.  Please consider commenting or writing a letter to the Editor voicing your support for The Record’s important coverage of issues related to our creative community.Jim Lewis, Bruce Duke & Stephen Gyermek are pictured at San Joaquin Delta College, circa 1990s. – Photo courtesy of Karen Olson, all rights reserved.