Memorial for Betty Woolfolk

For friends of Betty -

There will be a memorial gathering for Betty at Gallery Route One on Sunday, July 24 at 5 pm. Donations in Betty’s name can be made to Gallery Route One. http://galleryrouteone.org/become-a-partner-in-art/

Betty Woolfolk passed away after a long illness on the evening of June 29 at Marin General Hospital. Her husband Nick Corcoran and her brother Bruce Woolfolk survive her. Betty was born in 1947 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and later attended the University of Iowa, then graduating in 1971 from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Detroit where she majored in fiber art. After school she moved to California. She lived in her house and worked in her studio in Inverness, West Marin. 

Betty was a wonderful artist with a playful imagination. Creating magical environments with her ongoing installations, The Museum of Curious Thought. She gave visitors to Gallery Route One a glimpse into the mind of a very quirky pseudo scientist. She was a great collector of objects, abandoned, found in thrift stores or given to her by friends who knew that somehow these pieces would end up in her art. The Museum was always a dark, mysterious place where you were lured in through shimmering curtains, to view strange devices, some with low or winking lights, some satirical or witty commentaries on life, death and technology.   

She was a founding member and Executive Director of the non-profit art organization Gallery Route One. With a watchful eye, cheerful spirit and unfailing generosity she watched over every aspect of the organization. Betty and her husband Nick created one of the gallery’s most popular shows and fundraiser, The Box Show, which she managed for seventeen years and which will be dedicated to her this year. For many years Nick made all of the one hundred and fifty boxes while Betty worked with the artists and set up the show. She created and ran the organization’s store, and was responsible for much of the organization’s success over these thirty-three years.  

Betty contributed to the wider community, creating wonderful windows for the Thrift Store and the San Rafael Hospice. She served on the board of West Marin Community Services for a number of years. In that role she facilitated the annual Thanksgiving community dinner at the Dance Palace. Throughout her illness Betty was strong, resilient, always positive and continuing to focus on her work. Betty had many close friends in the community. She was loved for her sweet nature, warm heart, great generosity and fun loving spirit. The Museum of Curious Thought may have closed its doors for good, but her contributions to the community and to the many friends who loved her will be remembered and valued for a long time.

Mary Eubank, Project Space Director, GRO