Gretchen Garner, age 77, passed away at her residence in Columbus on February 15, 2017, surrounded by the books and art that reflect her career as an educator, artist, and author. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and moved many times as a child. From a young age, she achieved academic excellence and developed a keen interest in the arts. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of Chicago, and later attended the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she earned a master’s degree in photography. Gretchen raised her children in Chicago and Evanston, Illinois, while working as a photographer, photo editor and instructor. Once she became an empty-nester, she continued to advance her career at institutions across the country, including the University of Connecticut and Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. She wrote numerous scholarly articles, exhibition catalogs, and books—including the recently published Winold Reiss and the Cincinnati Union Terminal. Gretchen is survived by her brother David Grant of West Bend, Wisconsin; her children Helen (Mark) Ackery of Columbus; and Laura (Dan) Saale of Dublin; as well as Laura’s two children, Taylor and Grant. She is also fondly remembered by many long-time friends, colleagues, fellow artists, former students and neighbors. A celebration-of-life event will be held at a later date. 

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