Anci Slovak
7/30/46-11/14/11
nci Slovak, beloved wife, mother, artist, and founding partner of Signal Advertising in Montpelier, Vermont, died on the 14th of November at age 65, after a year-long battle with lung cancer.
Anci grew up on Long Island, New York, and was a graduate of The Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, where she received her BFA in painting and art education. She received an MFA in painting from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, completing her thesis under the supervision of her mentor, James Gahagan, an abstract expressionist and student of Hans Hoffmann.
After graduation, she taught art to nearly every type of student — from kindergarten to elementary and high school, and then to college students at Goddard College; Vermont College, Montpelier, Vermont; and Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont.
After retiring from teaching in 1995, she went on to a second successful career as a graphic designer and as CFO of Signal Advertising, which she founded with her husband, David Zahn.
Anci served on the Woodbury School Board for many years, and the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice board of directors until she died. She was a founding member of the Wild Women of Woodbury, and a passionate gardener, cook, homemaker, runner, skier, and snowshoe enthusiast.
Anci was a remarkably talented artist who created a body of work of brilliant color and lyrical composition throughout her career. Her paintings, drawings, and collages provide us with a deeply personal vision derived from a lifetime of discovery and expression in the visual arts. With great humility, Anci saw her work on a continuum, part of a living legacy carried forward by visual artists through the course of history.
Anci is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 43 years, David; her daughter, Natalya; and her son, Karl. It is a testament to the person Anci was that both of her children are accomplished professional artists and designers. Anci was a devoted mother, a brilliant artist, a gifted teacher, a prolific designer, a deeply committed member of the community, a loving friend and mentor, and a source of warmth, compassion, laughter, clarity, and strength to all who knew her.
A memorial gathering was held at the family residence in South Woodbury, Vermont, on the 19th of November, where several hundred of Anci's family and friends came together to celebrate her many contributions to the world.
A retrospective exhibit and celebration of the work of Anci Slovak will be held at the Dibden Gallery at Johnson State College in Johnson, Vermont, from May 21 through June 8th, 2012, with a formal opening and reception on May 26th.
Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice was Anci's favorite cause and one to which she devoted much time as a board member. Those wishing to make a donation in Anci's name can make a donation online.
This site will be updated with additional content as we progress with preparations for the show.