Hello,
Sad news as reported by the Mountain Echo…
Michel (Mikie) Ann Royston died on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at a
friend’s home in Redding after a 2-year battle with cancer. An
artist nationally known for hand-forged jewelry and elegantly
designed and executed sterling flatware, Michel’s work was recognized
by the American Craft Council and is in the Smithsonian Institution,
the Oakland Museum, the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts and public and
private collections.
Michel was born in San Francisco in 1947 and spent her childhood in
Mill Valley, California. After attending Reed College in Portland,
Oregon and the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, she
studied with John Marshall at the University of Washington in
Seattle, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Metal Design.
In 1975, Michel moved to the family home built prior to World War II
by her grandfather in Hat Creek, California, to live in the natural
setting that inspired her. During her 33 year residence, she made
many long-lasting friends in the Intermountain region from all walks
of life and political persuasions. She was always ready to talk and
share what she thought needed to be done. Her opinions were strong
and she did not mince words. She was formerly married to David Scott
of McArthur with whom she had a son, Max, in 1986. Michel was a
leader of the Hat Creek General Plan and helped organize the
community toward the common goal of preserving the natural beauty of
the area for generations to come. Michel was also an enthusiastic
supporter of the Hat Creek Volunteer Fire Department, which awarded
her its 2008 Certificate of Acknowledgment for Dedication and
Outstanding Service. Michel was well known for her love of dancing
and waltzed during the last week of her life. Many, many people from
coast to coast will miss her.
Michel is survived by her son, Maxwell Jackson Scott, her sister,
Tonia Lee Royston, her brother, Curtis Robert Royston. She was
predeceased by her parents, Robert Norman Royston, formerly of San
Francisco and Evelyn Dunwoody Royston, formerly of Adin.
Donations in her name may be made to the Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market
Street, Redding, CA 96001. A memorial service in Hat Creek will be
announced in early spring.
From Jeff Herman, 1/8/2009: Michel was juried into the Society based
on her beautifully forged sterling flatware. I didn’t know her well,
though she had been an Artisan member since 1991. I had known about
her cancer for a couple of years, but she didn’t advertise her
illness. Yet another talented silversmith passes away.
If you have remembrances about Michel that you would like to
express, please fill-out the form on this page:
http://www.silversmithing.com/1artmem.htm.
Be well,
Jeffrey Herman, Founder & Executive Director
Society of American Silversmiths