With the first issue of the State Journal-Register delivered after I renewed my subscription Friday came news that Vivian Eveloff had died. The obituary was BLINDINGLY terse in its posting in print and at the SJ-R web site. This was no doubt the design of the family, not because Vivian Eveloff gave so little to this community and far beyond, but becuase she gave so much.
She was the wife of my mom’s obstetrician and the only physician I knew before I was 30. Yes, there were decades when I saw none. As a youngster, trembling in anticipation, as I sat on the incredibly high examination table at Springfield Clinic, the good doctor’s modulated baritone and calming carriage was a case study in doing things right. Yes, I was petrified by innoculations for measles, smallpox, etc., but over the years I became unafraid thanks to Dr. Eveloff. Later when I caught the worst case of infectious “mono” he had ever seen, so bad he EARNESTLY desired to have me admitted to St. John’s because I was losing fluids alarmingly, HE responded to my determined efforts to swallow liquids no matter how much it hurt, and allowed me to stay home in bed for another two weeks to get well. I still remember the sound of Mom and Dad’s footsteps coming upstairs to take me to St. John’s. He changed his mind during a really convincing phone call. So THIS is what I carried as I met Vivian Eveloff at her Prairie Art Alliance featured gallery reception March 5, 2005.
Vivian Eveloff gallery display March 2005
Her family could have included a picture of the artist if they had desired, but they did not, and I respect their desire. This is a painting I took at her March 5, 2005 reception at Prairie Art Alliance. She was as convivial as the young lady she painted years before. The painting was also featured in her biography distributed gratis during the gallery exhibition, a publication that included several of her excellent poems as well; poems that should be read and savored today.
Wally, her son-in-law and daughter Gail were also delights. Wally later bought my books of poems, I chatted with him at a few UIS gallery receptions in the following months, and later, he stopped coming to receptions. Wally, if you’re still out there, salutations to you, my friend!
I believe Vivian Eveloff was one of the most talented, prolific artists this nutty Springfieldtown has known. The reception brought that conclusion home to me with both barrels. I am reasonably confident that prints of her work are still available at Prairie Art Alliance at the Hoogland Center for the Arts downtown. I never saw Vivian again, but I am the better man for having met her one time. Her poetry and art will continue to enrich me when I return to that publication I brought home from the gallery and cherish today.
Yes, I signed her guestbook at SJ-R com. If you knew her, I hope you will too,
Live long . . . . . and proper.
