Bobbie Raymond Larson was a member of the Oak Park Area Arts Council Board of Directors for a number of years. One of the major projects that she worked on was Symphony of Place. The Arts Council was selected to be one of the 52 host sites chosen by the American Composers Forum in 2001 to select a composer to write an original score for their city or town. It took a year and a half to put the amazing concert of 475 performers together for one huge performance. OPAAC asked the composer (Kimo Williams) to write a score to celebrate the signing of the Fair Housing Ordinance in Oak Park. Bobbie stepped up and served as the dedicated co-chair for the extraordinary project. Needless to say, the event was a huge success and the auditorium of OPRF High School was filled with an eager audience.
Bobbie was a talented artist who enjoyed working in watercolors, beautifully creating her beloved wild orchids. She showed her work in the various OPAAC galleries over the years. She was truly an ambassador for the arts. We will miss her talents, her feisty spirit, and her steadfast support of the arts community and the Oak Park Area Arts Council.
Rest in Peace, Bobbie. We are going to miss you.
Camille Wilson White is executive director of the Oak Park Area Arts Council.
