Redwoods University has announced that it will name an art gallery within its new Creative Arts Complex after Professor Emeritus Floyd Bettiga.
Board member Sally Biggins wrote a letter supporting the action and fondly remembers Bettiga.
“It has been an honor to work with CR Professor Emeritus Floyd Bettiger for over ten years on the Humboldt County Arts Council,” she said. “He has inspired and mentored North Coast artists for decades. In his memory, Redwood University’s newest art gallery will be named in his memory.” I am honored by that.”
Bettiga was one of the first faculty members at Redwood College hired to teach art in 1964. He mentored generations of artists and students in his community and was a tireless advocate for the arts of Humboldt County. He was instrumental in establishing the Morris Graves Museum of Art and donated many works of art to this community institution. He served on the Board of the Humboldt Arts Council for many years and was also a member of the National He Trust for Historic Preservation and the Humboldt He County He Historical Society.
Keith Flemmer, President of CR, said, “It is a great honor to name the college’s properties and buildings, and in doing so, make an important contribution to the College of the Redwoods mission of education and public service. “Floyd Bettiga was integral not only to the development of CR’s arts department, but also to the flourishing culture of art appreciation and creativity in our school district. When we considered names for our art gallery, Bettiga’s name was at the top of the list, and we’re really happy to honor him in this way.”
Bettiga started a permanent art collection at the College of the Redwoods, donated some of his own work, and established the Floyd Bettiga Art Scholarship. He developed strong ties with the local art community and went to great lengths to acquire most of the works in the university’s collection. He won the best teaching award from his 1983 to his 1984 and retired from the university in 1993. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 86.
“Name the new art gallery in honor of Professor Bettyga, through his establishment of a permanent art collection at the College of the Redwoods and his impact on arts and arts education throughout the community. It recognizes the tremendous long-term impact that has had,” said Carol Matthews, CR Board Member.
CR’s new 29,888-square-foot facility will replace the current Creative Arts building, which was built in 1974, and will allow the university to make several environmental and educational upgrades to its learning environment and will open in 2023. is scheduled to be completed in the summer of
