A Great loss to the Community

This is a great, great loss to the community. Ray will be missed. It bears mention that Ray moved to Portland to found the ceramics program at Portland State University in 1957, and brought glass hot shop concepts to Portland from the famous Toledo Workshops in Ohio. Between his teaching at PSU in ceramics and glass, and the many artists he's taught, mentored and advised over the years, Ray's contribution to Portland cannot be overstated. All of us at Museum of Contemporary Craft will miss him very much.

~ 

Namita Wiggers,

Portland, Oregon

Haystack

It’s been a lot of years since I spent those wonderful days at Ray Grimm’s kiln building workshop at Haystack.

I was a neophyte to pottery, and had newly injured one arm besides. Ray was more direct than any instructor I’d had, yet he was kind, even to the few beginners. My husband and children came down and watched on the periphery as we baked newly caught Alaskan salmon on the first completed kiln and laboriously built and tried out all the other kilns. My favorite was the Indian smoking mound on the beach, and I still smile when I notice the
pebble-shined blackened pottery we fired that day and replay a strong sense-memory of the heat on my face as we moved the pottery and the fire closer to each other. I met wonderful potters there who became friends, and couldn’t wait every morning to get back to kiln/clay instruction. All these years later, though I don’t remember all his words, I still feel the camaraderie of that time, and the admiration I felt for the Master. I will always be grateful for having had at least one experience learning directly from Ray Grimm.

- Maria Jakub

Friendship

Dear Grimms,

I remember as a child my parents' friendship with Ray and Jere. We'd come to visit and I'd be transported to a wonderland of eclectic art and works in progress. Then as more years passed I got to know many of you through our time at MLC. And still, I loved the visits to your home and the constant warmth and merriment from Ray and Jere.
I am sorry to hear of Ray's passing but sure he will live to the fullest in whatever comes next for his spirit!
Love and warm thoughts to all of you,

Suzy Hunt Powers

Gardens and Chickens

Grimm Family:

I am so sorry, and saddened to hear of Ray's passing. What I will remember most about Ray is the twinkle in his eye. Every time I saw him: family get-togethers when we were kids, caroling parties, at the farmer's market, even just a few months ago at the harvest party, he always greeted me with his warm smile and that twinkle in his eye. His warmth, kindheartedness, and genuineness flowed from his whole being. I feel blessed to have known him. In his honour, my garden and chickens await!
Peace to your family during this time of grief.

Angie Taylor

 Ground Hog Day 

 The Good Old Days

This is how we will always remember Ray!

The Basement

We always enjoyed our visits to the Grimm household and a trip to the basement to see the collection of Ray's work. We couldn't leave without a piece of art and bring it back to Minnesota. Thanks for the warmth you brought our home. ~ Norm Larsen, January 28, 2012

This picture was taken at your home in Oct of 2011.

A Quote That Reflects Ray Grimm

This quote from George Bernard Shaw has always reminded me of my dad….

This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

- Contributed by Sarah Grimm