“Art through the ages was never easy and often tragic for some…but I cannot imagine a wiser choice for a kid with some talent, nothing in his brain but the intuitive excitement of making beautiful things…and lucky enough to live long enough for it to be realized and recognized by wonderful friends.” H.C.
In Loving Memory Of
HARRY COHEN
September 29, 1924 – Sept 17, 2019
Harry (Harold) Cohen, Of Woodacre, CA passed on Sept 17, 2019. Born in Boston, Mass. September 29, 1924, where he grew up. He served in the Army Air corp. After his discharge from WWII he attended the Boston School of Fine Arts. Harry then moved to Southern California and stayed with friends from art school. He lived in So. Cal a few years then relocated to Northern California, staying with friends again until settling down in Marin County. He spent the next seventy four plus years immersed in the passion of his art. It was then he met the love of his life, Marjorie (McDonald) Cohen. They were together, still holding hands, for over 50 years until her passing five years ago. Harry continued his life’s passion, art, daily in his studio in Woodacre, CA. He enjoyed the company of fellow artists and dear friends. Every Tuesday morning he would meet with the “Bagel Boys” at the Woodacre Market. They would solve the world’s problems, talk art, and socialize. Harry’s art, paintings, sculptures and mobiles burst with vibrant colors, just like his personality. He is survived by his loving daughters, Ronnie Stern (Geoff), Melva Joslin (Dennis), grandchildren, Jamal Mamalias, Devon Coltes (Gareth), great-grandchildren, Tyler and Gabrielle Coltes, who all reside in Hawaii. His great grandson Quinton now resides in the bay area. His nephew Vince Adcock (Alison), Terry Adcock (Laura), Harvey Cohen (Lorraine) and many nephews and nieces who are on the east coast. All of whom he dearly loved. In 2017 he started a romantic relationship with Hanni Meyers from Boston. He knew Hanni from art school years ago. They maintained a cross country romance until his passing. Harry was a warm, loving, gentle, kind, compassionate and vibrant man. He loved people and life. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him and spending time with him. A Celebration of his life will be at a later date.
THE LIFE OF HARRY COHEN
“Harry Cohen is as he paints – joyful, exuberant, buoyant, colorful, and bright. His studio is a work of art packed with canvases, colors, mobiles and stabiles. At age 94, Harry bounds around his studio without letting the spring in his step deflect the brushstroke he intends.” – Skip Henderson
Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1924, Cohen described himself as a ghetto kid who served in the army during World War II.
Art, for Harry, was always a love affair. He explored galleries and museums, read Walter Poyton and lives of artists. He gave his heart, soul and life to art because he felt it to be a high and noble quest.
Until his recent passing, just shy of 95, Cohen produced his works from his home studio, surrounded by redwoods in Woodacre, CA. Harry Cohen showed that dreams have no age and to never compromise your passion.
“The continuity of romantic painting seems to have been lost today – The continuity that flowed from Delacroix through Daumier through Matisse and on to deKooning is missing. I feel I am part of that continuity, but I don’t know where the thread has gone.” H.C.
MARGE COHEN
1929-2014
Harry’s other half for over 60 years.
This video was shown at an event in San Geronimo, CA on Sept 28, 2014. A memorial for Marjorie Cohen, and a 90th birthday celebration for Harry Cohen. Many friends and family were in attendance.
CONTACT US
To inquire about Harry’s Art or just to say hello!
