Art Omi
Thirty years among artists from every continent.
Art Omi gave purpose and meaning to almost a third of Ross's life — and he gave it his whole heart.
When Francis Greenburger, along with artists Sandi Slone and John Cross, founded a residency for an international group of visual artists in 1992, his wife, Judy Willows, asked her brother if he was interested in spending the summer pitching in.
Between gigs and passionate about art, Ross jumped in and did anything that needed to be done, everything asked of him, while photographing and filming the launch, the artists, their work and their performances. His specialty was supporting the artists, finding local or exotic materials for their projects — rusty farm tools, bugs, plastic flowers, dead flowers, dollhouse furniture, human hair — set up and installation. And chauffeuring — in the early years there were no residences on site, the guests lodged with friends and neighbors, so he ferried them to and fro.
Every evening he hosted an impromptu party with the residents; as bartender, DJ with a storied playlist, and raconteur, he set the stage for fun, good memories, and lasting relationships.
Ross remained and supported as Art Omi grew beyond the visual arts to include residency programs for musicians, dancers, writers and translators, and architects, an internationally recognized sculpture park and gallery, and a varied roster of public programs, cherished by the local community.
His dedication was recognized with an award at one of Art Omi's annual galas. Here he is that evening, eyes modestly downcast and glowing as Francis offers his appreciation and congratulations.
