Robert Wood: A Video Tribute
The man known to thousands of Kent residents and Kent State students for his unkempt appearance and eccentric behavior was known to a smaller circle of friends and acquaintances as a talented artist and stimulating conversationalist.
When the community gathers at 10 a.m. today for a service in memory of Robert Wood, it will remember him not as the shabby-looking man who wandered around Kent muttering to himself and occasionally shouting obscenties, but as a man with hidden and often unsuspected virtues. In this video by Nick Rock, some of those who knew Wood best shared with Kent Patch what it was they valued so much in a man others generally shunned.
Do you have a memory of Robert Wood?
Tell us in the comments.
Matt Fredmonsky
11:43 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
It's so wonderful to know he was appreciated by so many.
Sally
1:59 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
The memorial service today at the UU Church was a full house. It's amazing how many people he either knew, influenced or traveled in similar circles with. His life intersected with so many of us in one way or another that he has left his permanent mark on our town. Seeing his astonishing art, it is my belief that he is one of the great undiscovered lights of the art world whose work deserves a place in museums. There are several pieces of his that I've fallen in love with that I would truly love to own, or at least have a print of. Robert, you were truly one of a kind and you are so missed! Your unique presence was a part of the fabric of Kent that now feels empty without you in it. :-(
Hank
6:19 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
You could have bought one from him at the Farmers Market he had his table there for years.
Sal LaRosa
5:13 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
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I knew Bob from Spring of 1962 until August of 1967. I admired his artist spirit. the sensitivity and quality of his work. He was a sensitive man. We had many long talks, walking downtown in the snow. we talked about religiion, art history, drawing. our teachers. He helped me steal paint from the campus bookstore. I always admired the volume and extremely high quality of the work itself. Sal LaRosa
BFA and MA from Kent State University 1964 and 1967. Currently living in Miami.
Artist. Retired Professor.