My wife, Julia Terr, was killed as the result of a road accident on September 13, 2009.
On November 8th, a gathering of artists, friends and family will take place at the Presidio Log Cabin in San Francisco at 1pm.
Here is the link to the directions to the Log Cabin.
http://www.presidio.gov/event/rental/logcabin/Directions.htm
In honor of Julia, we’ve established a foundation in her name: The Julia Terr Foundation for Ceramic Arts.
The purpose of the foundation will be to distribute money to non-profit institutions who support and sustain studio pottery across the United States. The first mandate of the Foundation is to refurbish a kiln at Penland where Julia discovered her love of pottery and convinced her to pursue the art of studio ceramics.
More details will be posted on this website as to how to contribute. If you have any questions or thoughts, please contact me at vince@vincemontague.com
My partner of twenty-two years expressed the pure joy of being in every single one of her pots. It’s my hope to continue and carry forward that spirit she possessed and shared with so many others.
Love,
Vince
I am SO sorry to hear about Julia, my cousin. We met only once, but were getting re-acquainted via Facebook. I loved her ceramics, and her taste in music and other posts. I was so looking forward to getting re-acquainted all these years later, but it is not to be. I hope Vince and family, and Julia’s family are all doing fairly well, strengthened by the memory of an obviously strong and lovely woman.
Jim Terr / Santa Fe, New Mexico
Vince and family of Julia, as I drive through Deer Isle, or as I sit at the Fisherman’s Friend Restaurant, or I hear laughter, or I see a Westy driving by, I shall forever be reminded of the two of you. I am so saddened by this loss words cannot express. If ever I wondered about what happens after we go, I wonder no more. We live on in the hearts of all those who knew us. As Julia does and her laughter will ring through this air endlessly and her soul shall comfort us while we grieve. love Kathy
My dear cousin who I was hoping to “remeet” after all these years..clearly a wonderful woman and artist..I will come to know you as you are laid to rest, and hope to touch many of those who knew you so well.
love,
cousin Debby
That is such a wonderful picture of Julia. It conveys her strength, fun, and intelligence. Her smile was so appealing and reassuring. We really do live on. Her spirit will be with me always. She lived her life without fear and with possibility. I gained and grew so much by knowing her,
Brother-in-law Marty
We, at the Arts Guild of Sonoma, were so thrilled to have Julia join our group. She was such a joyful addition - emitting her positive energy and smiles for everyone - it’s all still there in her art.
Katherine
Fellow Artist
I talked to Julia a few times since I returned to the Guild and she was such a sweet person with great energy. Everyone at the Guild has such fond memories and she will be missed dearly.
Julia was a shinning star, so full of life, laughter, love and understanding for everyone. She was a sister we never had. Julia’s art was so beautiful, creative, inspiring and always changing. We will miss her smile, hugs and kisses and the pure joy she brought and taught us.
Every month i would get together with julia as a fellow member of the board of directors of the Arts Guild of Sonoma. She would always come to the table with wide eyed enthusiasm, optimism and the most amazingly creative ideas i’ve ever heard. We would all stop and listen intently to whatever she had to say because it was inevitably thought provoking and valuable. her brilliant energy is greatly missed. I wish she had been in my life longer.
Every month i would get together with julia as a fellow member of the board of directors of the Arts Guild of Sonoma. She would always come to the table with wide eyed enthusiasm, optimism and the most amazingly creative ideas i’ve ever heard. We would all stop and listen intently to whatever she had to say because it was inevitably thought provoking and valuable. her brilliant energy is greatly missed.
Julia taught met that Art, like living life, was in noticing the details and then creating something from it. It was her creative spirit that impacted everyone who knew her. We all drew strength and inspiration from her.
Julia impacted my life in a profound way. She brought so much joy to my brother Vince and to her family. She was a loving and loyal wife, daughter, sister, niece and friend. I miss her.
Claire
I miss Julia. I am still in shock weeks later. Maybe because I own so many of her clay improvisations, and they do inhabit my home almost like live people; I am in shock weeks later maybe also because Julia radiated everything but mortality. Some people make you forget that life’s so fragile. My condoleances to you, Vince, a partner’s death is very hard, no way around it If you need support, don’t hesitate to call me, I am a great listener. Zaza
On behalf of the Board and Resident Artists of Plaza Arts Center in Healdsburg, please receive our heartfelt sympathy at your loss. I remember Julia’s first showing at our Gift Gallery and how her family showered her with flowers and photo-taking. We all wondered who this incredible celebrity was! She was a gift to the art community. Blessings to you.
So sad I cannot speak. Fellow Ruby’s Clay Studio Artist. Just found out. Will post later. Sending love to Vince! Ugg. Love Carol
dearest vince–i cannot tell you how shocked and sad i am to suddenly see this unbearable news–please know that i am thinking of you and wishing you strength and love–my memories of julia at nyu are so vivid and funny and important to me. i’ll never forget you and julia falling love right there–it seems you have had a beautiful life together–i am so so sorry that it has been cut short–please, please email me when/if you have a single moment–but know that i am here and remembering julia so fondly. love, laura
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Julia’s death. I met her at Haystack a few years ago and was very happy to reconnect with her over Facebook recently. She was such a loving and positive person. Always helpful, supportive, and lots of fun. What a loss. My deep condolences to Vince.
I will be coming to the service, representing the New Mexico Terr family. Please mention to Abba and Lenore if you would. Thanks. I hope you’re doing OK.
Shocked and feeling a tremendous loss. Thank you for making this site available. I too was in Julia’s 2008 Haystack workshop. This morning, before learning of the accident, and, grasping without looking for my emu oil, I picked up my tiny goblet that Julia gave each of her workshop buddies on our final night together. I will keep warm memories of her joy filled wonder, supportive, fun loving spirit! We have all been enriched by habiting the earth together. My sincere sympathy to vince and other family members.
Robert William Wolff
Milton Massachusetts
HUGE loss! Like you said Vince, may her spirit continue in every piece she created. She is always in my thoughts. I will try and make it to SF.
Immediate reaction Oh God not Julia- it couldnt have happened to a more invigorating individual. what a beautiful soul and a tremendously fun woman. I first met Julia at Penland during the 2005 concentration. As one of the instructors for the class, I worked closely with her and loved talking, and laughing with her. This is so tragic. Vince please know that I am thinking of you and your family. Im So sad that we cannot reconnect in the clay world again- maybe on another journey. Love to you, Allison
Julia gave me the confidence to interact with clay in a way that I would not have achieved on my own. Her gentle, whimsical spirit will live on through my work.
How fortunate I am to have recognized this jewel and to have fully loved and appreciated her for the gifts that she so generously shared.
Dear Vince,
I first met Julia when she was interviewed by our screening committee for an artist membership in the Arts Guild/Sonoma. Julia had us in stiches as she told her hat-knitting stories, next we all wanted to possess the pots that showed her Clay-Mania, and we felt grateful to have humor, talent and brains join the guild. Julia brought you to the Guild’s Gala 30th party where I met you, Vince, and she beamed as she introduced us.
Julia and I often sat together at guild board meetings. She would laugh and say, “We’ve Got to Find you a Man,” then I would respond, “But Julia, I had a Man,” and finally Julia would look at me, still laughing as she repeated, “We’ve Got to Find you a Man!” Those statements helped me know how important it was for Julia to spend her life with you, Vince. There was so much love for you.
I feel lucky to have known Julia as an artist and a friend. I do feel her hands in the clay and remember each timeI use her bowls.
Love,
Sandy Lane
I only met Julia a few years ago but she was an inspiration in her wonderful spirit and generosity. I will miss her and think about her open kindness every time I use the little cherry colored teacups she made which is every day. Vince, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sad to miss her gathering.
My Best,
Nina
TO the family, prayers and condolences. I knew her not…but as an Artist myself, I knew her.
Julia, I can’t believe your gone. You still owe a glaze recipe. We all miss you.
Dear Vince,
I just returned from the 2009 KPFA Craft Fair. There in the program I read the memoriam for Julia. My friend Helen and I visited Julia’s studio in May. She was not there, but you graciously gave us a tour. I am so so sorry to hear of Julia’s death. My deep condolences to you. May you be sustained by your memories.
I am grateful that I have two of Julia’s pieces, which I treasure.
Blessings, Joyce Sabel