Muriel M. Van Patten, 81, of Port Charlotte, Florida died May 28, 2013.
She was born April 27, 1932 in Quincy, Michigan to Edwina and Lloyd Van Patten. Muriel was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts and arts education and a Master of Arts degree in administration.
Ms. Van Patten began her career in 1954 teaching senior high school visual arts in the Fenton Area Public Schools, Fenton, MI. She moved to Wayne-Westland School District, Wayne, MI serving as an elementary art teacher, director of visual art and principal at 3 elementary schools. Due to the successful initiatives implemented as a principal, she was called upon by the Michigan Department of Education to join them in a massive curriculum change program. During the 1970s and 1980s, Van Patten was named Supervisor of Instructional Specialists Program and then Director of School Program Services. She retired in 1984.
Van Patten believed that “arts are one of the key elements in unlocking a child’s ability to learn. Anyone can be taught to look at a painting, but you need to be taught to see … anyone can listen to music, but you need to be taught to hear,” she said. “To be able to see beyond what is presented to you to the deeper meaning or to hear more than simple notes strung together, it is these abilities that allow children and even adults to really begin to learn,” she explained. “The arts are nourishment for all learning. It doesn’t matter what the subject whether it be math or reading, the arts can open the door to education.”
As a local artist Muriel was associated with Red Hat Studio, Punta Gorda as well as Sarafina Studio and Gallery at Towles Court, Sarasota. Ms. Van Patten’s fluid and expressive paintings have earned her recognition; her work has been featured in juried art exhibitions as well as solo shows in Florida and Michigan with her latest solo show in East Lansing, Michigan in 2011. “Sullivan Street”, created en plein aire on location, has been on display at one of Punta Gorda’s finest restaurants since the early 2000s. Study in Giverny (France) and Florence (Italy) produced a huge body of work including vivid landscapes of poppy fields and grape arbors. She designed the art wall for UUFCC where local art is exhibited and celebrated on a continuous basis.
A natural leader in the arts arena, Van Patten served on arts and humanities councils at the local, county and state levels in Michigan and Florida. She was the concert series presenter and President of the Friends of Music. She served as the organization’s president and treasurer. She was a member of the board of the Society for Education and Arts Development. When the Friends of Music disbanded, it was Muriel who suggested unused funds be given to the Charlotte Symphony to start the symphony’s summer music program for children that continues to this day under those funds.
Ms. Van Patten extended her artistic talents to serve as the photographer for the Charlotte Chorale for ten years. Her photos, ranging from major concerts to benefits and special events, chronicled a decade of the Chorale’s performances. She served on the Chorale’s Board of Directors for 4 years. In addition, Muriel was a member of the Charlotte Symphony Advisory Council and was their photographer.
In recognition for her contribution to the arts, in 2008 MVP was awarded the Charlie Award by the Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County. This award recognizes outstanding initiative, leadership or excellence in supporting the arts or humanities or as an artist in Charlotte County.
Muriel was a gentle soul whose physical presence will be missed but her laughter, love and talent will live on in the hearts of many. She is survived by her partner, Wanda H. Jubb and her brother Jerald Allen Van Patten (Rena), a nephew Harold Allen Van Patten (Suzi), and nieces Joanne Renee Lee (Brian), Cynthia Louise Dungey, and Amy Lynn Miller (Robert). She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew John Charles Van Patten.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Symphony, PO Box 510476, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0476, The Charlotte Chorale, P.O. Box 494451, Port Charlotte, FL 33949; or the Employee’s Appreciation Fund, South Port Square, 23013 Westchester Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33980.
Memorial services will be held in Lansing, Michigan and Port Charlotte, Florida at a later date. Private interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Quincy, Michigan. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the guest book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel