Ken Avick, the noted surrealist painter who was featured in a Nov. 2021 article about “The Art of Making Art,” passed away Saturday, Feb. 17 at Evanston Hospital. He was 76.
Avick was born in Brooklyn, NY to Ben and Miriam Avick. Later they moved the family to Florida and Avick was raised in Miami Beach, FL. He received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Carnegie-Mellon University and earned his master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Chicago.
One evening in May 1970, Avick returned to his former apartment building in Hyde Park to pick up his mail. He stopped by the lounge to watch the evening news and started talking to a woman who was waiting there for a group of friends. That woman was Ann Zaidspiner, and when her friends arrived, she invited Avick to join them for dinner. He did and their conversation never really stopped after that evening. They married just over a year later in June 1971.
Avick frequently showed his works at Space 900 in Evanston.
In addition to painting, Avick was also a case reviewer with the Department of Children and Family Services for more than 30 years. But the most important part of his life was his family.
Avick leaves behind his wife and best friend of 52 years, Ann, their children Deborah (Kevin Kinast) Avick, Rebecca Avick, and Jonathan Avick, step-grandson Sean, his sister Patti (Ed) Mactas, sister-in-law Sara Zaidspiner, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to PACTT Learning Center or Les Turner ALS Foundation.Â
It was my honor to interview Ken. So gracious, so welcoming. I am so proud of the triptych I acquired at his benefit to PACTT. Peace to his family and friends.