Sophia lived a long and good life; rich with art, music, and good friends and family. She married William Kearns in Columbus Ohio on Feb. 26, 1954, and in 2014 Sophia and Bill celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. The family moved from Columbus to Boulder in 1965, where Bill was appointed to a professorship in the College of Music, CU.
Sophia earned a BFA from Ohio State University in 1946 and actively pursued her artistic passion for her entire life. She thrived in Boulder’s active art community, and developed her distinctive abstract painting style over 40 years. She was a founding member of the Mustard Seed Gallery in 1967 and remained active as a partner in the gallery until September 1997. She was also an accomplished potter and was an active member of the Boulder Potter’s Guild from 1966 to 1980. She was proud to be a member of the national organization, Artists’ Equity, which was instrumental in helping pass the 1% for Art in the Colorado Legislature. She was also involved with the founding of the Boulder Art Center, currently known as the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. A twelve-year member of Studio Seven Artists, she participated in Open Studios several times. She was an honorary member of The Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Society, and displayed and received awards for her work at the Foothills Art Center in Golden. Her associations and friendships with fellow Boulder artists was stimulating, and her interest and delight in art was with her to the end.
Sophia was born of Greek immigrants, and her connection to her heritage was strong. She spoke Greek and prepared wonderful Greek meals that were appreciated by family and friends.
Sophia is survived by her husband William of Boulder;
her son Andrew, daughter-in-law Sofia and grandson Tomás of Greenville, South Carolina; daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Bill Concannon and granddaughter Cora Concannon of Crockett, California; and her niece Dena Poulias of Columbus Ohio.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Boulder Meridian, 801 Gillaspie, on June 7 at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St., Golden, CO 80401, or online at foothillsartcenter.org.
Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.
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