Susan Sallade
1943 - 2009

Mother, Artist, Guide

The community has lost one of its true artistic treasures. Susan Sallade transitioned to a new existence Monday, January 12. Those whose lives she touched were blessed for knowing her.

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Susan received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design and had her own freelance artwork business. A former colleague recalls that Susan was multi-talented at logo identity development, hand lettering, and painting with emphasis on watercolor. She was a sought-after instructor in Continuing Education. Susan was the consummate teacher: she loved to teach either individually or through SBCC Adult Education Program. Many of her students took her classes over and over and always learned something new and many became her friends. She is remembered as being soft-spoken, articulate and especially caring in helping her students pursue their love for watercolor painting. Her gentle and unobtrusive way hid a deeper truth. Through art Susan taught life lessons and the most important thing she taught was to be kind, loving and accepting of ourselves and others. Susan applied the same principles with her friends who loved her dearly; her passing leaves a void in their lives.

Susan always spoke fondly of her time abroad: riding horses and painting in Ireland and New Zealand. In Santa Barbara, she enjoyed riding on the trails of Hope Ranch through the kindness and generosity of a friend.

Susan loved and lived art. Her watercolors and collages show her spiritual, mystical and often whimsical side. Nature and animals were her favorite subjects. The simple beauty of a tree leaf was wonderment. She was the recipient of many artistic awards and often had shows of her work in the Santa Barbara area.

Three years ago Susan took on a new “adventure” and became Nonna to her first and only grandchild Megan. In these last years Megan was the love of her life. Susan's face would light up when Megan entered the room. In that light painted with emotional clarity stood grace and unconditional love. A life lesson we are all blessed to be part of. Her son Evan, Tisha and Megan, her friends and students have her eternal love. Susan will live on in the bright colors and textures of her work. For those who knew her, and feel a need to fill the void created by her passing, Susan’s art can be seen anytime at www.salladestudio.com. To see her art is to see all that Susan was.

A resident of Santa Barbara, Susan’s family include her long-term partner Paul Fuller, her son Evan Dalke and his partner Tisha Saragosa, and granddaughter Megan Dalke.

A celebration of life will take place on her birthday January 24, at Godric Grove, Elings Park at 11 a.m. weather permitting. Any venue changes will be posted on www.independent.com/obits

Memorial contributions can be made in Susan’s honor to: Return to Freedom -- American Wild Horse Sanctuary (Lompoc); Land Trust for Santa Barbara County; or Dog Adoption & Welfare Group (DAWG) of Santa Barbara.

The family welcomes you to share your thoughts and wishes at www.independent.com/obits or email salladetrust@yahoo.com

My paintings are the product of an ongoing narration celebrating the exultation of nature- it’s abundant surface colors and forms, as well as the essence of it’s mystical depths.
- Susan Sallade