One thing I always like to say about Sue and her paintings is that she’s helped me to experience the coast in a different way in particular. I’ll often be walking on the beach with my dog and my husband and I’ll look at something and say, ‘that’s a Sue Sneddon sky’ or a ‘Sue Sneddon perspective,’ because I’ll notice the way the light is reflected in the wet sand. These are pools of water that don’t last at all. They’re momentary. The tide comes in, it may stay for a couple of seconds, then it’s receding. That’s what she’s seeing. And her paintings really brilliantly capture that.
John Bloedorn, Craven Allen Gallery
Surrounded by some of her dearest beloveds, Sue Sneddon peacefully left this earthly plane early Monday morning, January 10, 2022. Her community is legion. She touched so many with her art, her music, and her humanity.
Sue taught for RCWMS for over a decade, leading beginning and more advanced art weekends at Emerald Isle, one of her ocean homes. More recently, she taught “Art by the Haw,” jointly sponsored by RCWMS and Alison Weiner’s mahaloArts. Donna Campbell and Georgann Eubanks produced this beautiful video for Sue’s 2020 exhibit at Craven-Allen Gallery (enjoy Weiner’s lyrical piano-playing in the background). You may still view the paintings in that exhibit on the gallery’s website. Scroll down here and click on any image to view the paintings.
Sue was also an amazing musician, playing drums for the Mobile City Band, playing drums with Alison Weiner at the art weekends, playing drums whenever time would allow.
A small impromptu gathering of friends on Monday afternoon shared similar memories and feelings of connection to Sue. We love the way she taught us about the light. We feel connected to her, still, because of the way she lived her life. Open-hearted, drawing us in. After just two of her beginning art weekends I know I’ll never experience light in the same way.
Sue’s friend Georgann Eubanks echoed this sentiment in a comment on CaringBridge: “I hate this loss, but we have so much, big as the ocean. Sue will always have our attention as she shared her profound ability to pay attention to the smallest detail with us.”
Sue’s wife Donna Giles shared her gratitude with the community who will continue to love Sue and all she brought to our lives: “A heart and spirit as big and welcoming as Sue’s drew many thoughtful, interesting, fun, and wonderful people into our world, and we were all fortunate that those bonds formed and have endured over years and even decades. All I want to say now is thank you for all you have shared with us over these years and especially during these recent painful days. You have been the rising tide that raises all boats.”
A memorial service for Sue will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF), 4907 Garrett Road in Durham. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for a reception following the service.
People have asked about memorial gifts. Donna has suggested gifts can be made in Sue’s memory to these groups or a non-profit of your choice:
NC Coastal Federation
The Sue Sneddon Art Fund at RCWMS
We plan to spend more time in nature in her honor, appreciating and soaking in the light. Please visit suesneddon.com for more information about future events to honor Sue and for a chance to view some of her paintings.
Beautiful Marya! My thanks to you and Jeanette for this posting❤️
She had me at hello. I only knew her light as her. On stage together only once but unforgettable. All my care and love to you, Donna.
I am spending extra time with our 2 small gorgeous paintings and absorbing sue and her vision. Trying to send to you all an image of gorgeous nature in the form of blossoming lilies on our table and next to a painting. Sending love and energy to all of us who are mourning but also remembering with joy and gratefulness.
Many thanks..Sue is with us FOREVER!!
Marya, this is a such beautiful tribute to Sue. It fills my heart but also overwhelming grief.
Beautiful post, thank you
That Sue has passed is still unbelievable and an acute loss. Sue combined playfulness and kindness in such generous measures. Being with her was like tasting the colors of life. Thank you for this lovely tribute.
Lovely tribute Marya! I imagine Sue drummin’ on the astral plane and painting gorgeous skies from the other side.
To honor Sue, my partner Teresa Jones and I (who both took an art workshop with Sue at Emerald Isle several years ago) have moved one of her amazing beach pastels to our fireplace mantel. Beach shells are snuggled up against the bottom edge of the frame. Thanks Sue; our memory of you and your talent persists. Ronna Dornsife
When my now 42-year-old twins were toddlers, Sue created handmade wrapping paper for their birthday and Christmas presents. She was so joyful and generous. Being with her was a gift in itself.