From the family and friends of Chandler O’Leary:

Our dear friend Chandler passed away on April 2 from sudden and severe pneumonia. She was just 41 years old, and leaves behind an astonishing body of work as an author and artist. To celebrate Chandler’s extraordinary life, accomplishments, and legacy, the following public events will be held in Tacoma:

May 12, 4-6pm: “Drawn to Tacoma: The illustrative art of Chandler O’Leary” exhibit opening at Collins Memorial Library
May 13, 1-3pm: A Gathering for Chandler on the Old Town Dock (click here to watch the live stream on YouTube)

The details for these events can be found in this announcement.

In her short life, she filled countless sketchbooks and created public art and signage, paintings, drawings, textiles, artist books, photographs—you name it, she did it.  She did it with passion, dedication, and exquisite beauty. “Artist” barely encompasses all her extraordinary talents, as she was also an engaging teacher, podcaster, blogger, historian, travel expert, story-teller, adventurer, letterer, musician, entrepreneur, feminist, and collaborator.

While Chandler was very protective of her family life in her beloved Tacoma, she was also an incredible wife and mother. Our energy moving forward is directed at supporting her husband, The Tailor, and their four-year-old son. We all have to learn how to move forward without her, somehow.

Hug your loved ones, take a road trip, write your legislators, sketch something beautiful, and raise a glass to Chandler’s memory.

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