Ross Strudwick

Mary Ross Strudwick (born 1951; died November 20, 2008) was a painter, sculptor, and installation artist, best known for her elaborate altar pieces. She is said to have been one of the first artists in Birmingham to take installation art seriously. She led a bohemian lifestyle with frequent parties in her studio above the L & N Cafe downtown. Later she shared a house with Karl Schaeffer on 15th Avenue South. Strudwick was married to Jimmy Griffin. Her only child was Sonia Warfel, who bore two grandchildren, Keller and Evelyn Warfel.

Strudwick died November 20, 2008. Her memorial service, held at Bare Hands Gallery, drew over 200 well-wishers, including many notables of Southside's golden era of counterculture. Eulogies were delivered by Johnny Coley, her daughter Sonia, her sister JoAnne, Jonah Schaeffer, and Tommy Carr.

References

• "Mary Ross Strudwick" obituary (November 24, 2008) Birmingham News

External links

• Ross Strudwick Fan Club on facebook.com