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December 10, 2024
"Anthony “Tony” Sheets left this world peacefully and surrounded by so much love.of family and friends. In the end, he asked to go. He was ready. He filled this world with so much love and happiness and beauty. He is truly at peace"
Summer Sheets, daughter
1942-2024
Remembering Tony Sheets: Artist, Exhibition Director, and Steward of his Father’s Public Works
The Claremont community mourns the passing of Tony Sheets, the youngest son of Millard Sheets, who died on December 10. Tony was a beloved friend, artist, exhibition director, and a champion of his father's legacy. He played a significant role in preserving many of Millard’s murals and sculptures.
Born in 1942, Tony grew up in Padua Hills, where he spent his formative years learning from neighboring artists and apprenticing under Albert Stewart. He attended Cal Poly for two years, took classes in the Scripps Art Department, and worked with Tom Van Sant on major art commissions. Tony began painting seriously in the 1970s and taught workshops around the world. Over his lifetime, he explored various mediums, including pyrography and copper repoussé, and authored a book titled “Epiphany in a Dream.” |
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From 2007 to 2015, Tony served as the Exhibit Director of the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts at Fairplex, continuing his father’s dream of bringing fine art to over 300,000 visitors at the LA County Fair each year.
As many of Millard’s Home Savings and other buildings were sold, Tony urged new owners to preserve the murals and sculptures. He facilitated the restoration of the Hilton Hawaiian Rainbow Tower, the relocation of the San Jose Airport mural, and found a home for the Tournament of Roses panels at Pasadena City College. |
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With his encouragement, the massive “Pleasures Along the Beach” mosaic mural was restored by Brian Worley and relocated to the Hilbert Museum in Orange. Worley remarked, “Tony was a talented artist, friend, and a leader in the preservation efforts for his father’s legacy. The Sheets legacy will continue, but it has lost its brightest light. His was a life well-lived.”
Tony maintained close ties with many Claremont friends and the families of artists. Woody Dike noted, “Tony was a powerhouse of love, devotion, and creativity.”
In recent years, Tony lived with his wife, Flower, near the home of their daughter, Summer, in Murphy, Oregon. He is also survived by his children Trent, Heidi, and Tim; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in his name to either the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art or the Gualala Arts Center. |
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Please read his biography here: Tony Sheets Biography – California Watercolor
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Sharon Esterley
Posted on behalf of Tony's daughter Summer Sheets
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Hard to believe all that happened was only yesterday. It feels like I’ve lived a lifetimes worth of emotions in the last few days.
Thank you again to everyone. The outpouring of love and memories and support is a wonderful testament to how many lives have been touched by my dad (Tony). It’s an honor to be a part of everyone’s love and grief. I fully understand that we are not the only one’s here feeling his absence.. From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry for everyone’s loss.
In lieu of flowers, we would love for donations to be made in his name to either the Claremont Museum of Art or the Gualala Arts, if anyone feels so called to. The links will be below.
We also wanted to pass on that at this time, we are thinking there will be a celebration sometime next summer for him. I will update again when we know more.
Until then, celebrate him in your favorite way. Many of us have been blasting some Neil Diamond, dancing, singing and shaking our tamboreens. There may have been some gin and tequila as well… 😉
He was, and still is, a powerful force of love and light that will shine on through all of us.
Love to all….
~Summer
https://clmoa.org/donate/
http://gualalaarts.org/support-gualala-arts/