James Gardner

Shandaken-

James Allan Gardner was a talented sculptor and photographer who lived for many decades in Shandaken, NY.

Jim was born March 19, 1937, the middle son of five, born to Mabel and Jean Gardner in Corona, Queens, New York. Jim‘s parents had migrated from North Carolina, first living in Harlem, and then establishing a family laundry business in Corona.  When Jim was about 13 years old, he brought some of his artwork to a city gallery, because he thought they could be part of a gallery show. It was there that he was met by Ed Strickland, an educator and promoter of Black artists. Ed Strickland recognized Jim’s talents and began to give Jim art lessons. It was Ed who helped Jim to apply to the specialized art school in the city that would further his education in the arts. Jim also studied sculpture at the New York Art Students League for a number of years while he worked in commercial sculpture reproduction at what is now Bronzhaus,  as well as on his own art work as photographer and sculptor. His love for all music, but in particular classical music, influenced his reproductive work producing sculptures of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, etc, in addition to other musicians like Jimi Hendrix.  He also loved modern dance, and created many beautiful sculptures of dancers.

After Jason was born, Georgene and Jim moved from the Lower East Side to the Manhattan Country school where he worked as an art teacher.  From there they were invited by Regina Bather to purchase a house on Broadstreet Hollow Road.  Jim lived therefor the rest of his life as part of a vibrant community.  He had a dark room and art studio in Phoenicia for over a decade.  His sculptures were exquisite, a testament to his remarkable talent for breathing life into clay. 

Jim was a vibrant spirit, his laughter infectious, and his heart kind and generous. He had a curiosity about people and the world that made him ask people he met a myriad of questions. He loved yardsaling, really appreciated a good meal, and a good beer or Kombucha.  He enjoyed walks on the Esopus, where he loved taking photos of water, stone and the light that was reflected. He embraced gardening with passion, helping to transform gardens into enchanting, magical spaces.

For the people who knew him, he could not stop talking about movies, artists, or directors; in fact, his movie reviews were of epic proportions.  Jim could recall scenes from movies from over 40 years ago, and then insist that you see the movie for very specific reasons.  

Jim passed away in his home on December 2, 2024.  He is survived by his son, Jason Gardner, Jason’s wife, Katharina, Jim’s brother, John Gardner in Australia.  He is deeply missed, yet we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace.

A celebration of his life will be happening on a DATE-TO-BE-ANNOUNCED in Shandaken, the exact location still to be determined.  Please go to https://jim.queviva.net, to share a memory or a photo of Jim.  You can also sign up for updates on a memorial for Jim.  Arrangements are under the direction of Mark Wilsey of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.

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