January 25, 2010
Thousands of people in Southern Arizona are remembering an artist and community activist who was a trailblazer in our region in more ways than one.
Maurice Grossman, age 82, passed away on Thursday January 21 after a heart valve operation. Grossman founded the University of Arizona’s ceramics program in 1955 and he continued to work there until his retirement in 1989.
Grossman also dedicated himself to various social causes and groups including senior citizens, the Democratic party in Tucson, the Tucson Museum of Arts, and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender residents- hoping they would achieve equal rights in Arizona and the rest of the country.
Grossman remained committed to his art after moving on from UA and he exhibited a collection of some of his many ceramic pieces during a special show in Tucson when he was 80 years old. He continued to inspire scores of students and other people in the community and he was a fervent supporter of many artists and organizations in town.
He was a frequent donor of his time, talent and creations for agencies such as the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN), the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) and Dancing in the Streets.
Grossman is survived by his son Stephen and his daughter Lauren, both of Seattle, Washington. Funeral services are pending.
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