Death date: Dec 26, 2020
Robert Charles Skelley, University of Florida Professor Emeritus, died on December 26, 2020 in Gainesville, Florida. While a professor in the Graphic Design Department, University of Florida Department of Fine Art for 42 years , h Read Obituary
I just now thought of Robert Skelley in preparation for creating a piece of art. I'm hoping to channel his mastery of chaotic, yet gorgeous, line work. I was in the graphic design department at UF from '77-'79 and took a couple of classes from him. He was warm and kind with a lively sense of humor. His prints remain vivid in my mind's eye. John Musgrove UF '79
Professor Skelley pushed us to do our best in his graphic design classes. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Elizabeth Daab Szigeti (1984)
Professor Skelley led by example. We all looked forward to his work in the annual faculty shows. UF had amazing fine artists on staff for decades and he was one of the best. Professor Skelley was admired and shared what he knew. I was a better teacher because of him, as were many of us lucky enough to have known him. My condolences to his family.
Respectfully,
Julie Felts, Sarasota
When I was young, I first saw and was very impressed with Robert Skelley's prints, which were published along with an article in American Artist Magazine. Little did I know at that time that I would attend the University of Florida as a Graduate Student in Art/Printmaking, and come to know him as a person. While I never had the chance to take any of his courses (between 1974-76 he taught only Graphic Design), his outgoing friendliness and support for we young artists definitely touched my life. Now at age 69, I am fortunate to still be teaching Art on the College Level, at The University of Tampa. Bob knew my weakness for attractive co-eds (I was 22-24 when at UF), and kidded me when in 1977 I began teaching at a Women's College, Russell Sage in Troy, NY. "john, that's like the fox guarding the chicken's coop!" I trust he would have been proud to learn that I actually behaved myself in my four years there, marrying just before moving on to the University of North Alabama. In my life, I never managed to do any Relief Prints that came close to the mastery of that challenging medium Mr. Skelley achieved even at an early age. News of his passing saddens me, and I send heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends, along with thanks to him for all he did for me as an artist and teacher.
John Caputo
MFA University of Florida 1976
Our sincere sympathy ~ Kevin & Patricia Olson
