Professor Patrick Welch

Dear ILIA – Chicago Community:

I am so deeply sorry to have to give you this news. Professor Patrick Welch, our colleague, instructor, mentor and friend, passed away on Thursday, October 16. Patrick had taught Media Arts & Animation at The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago for a decade. In that time, he made a measured difference in the lives of so many of the students, faculty and staff he came across.

Media Arts & Animation Academic Director Chris Blake had this to say: “Patrick Welch was an amazingly gifted teacher. He simply loved being in the classroom and he worked for student success tirelessly. His views on art, his gallery shows and the micromentalist movement guided his students to find their own views.”

“I was privileged to watch students listen to his dissection of story and character design. I believe it was his respectful and yet personal nature that won over students. I feel strongly that Patrick truly believed in our school’s Mission. He believed in an opportunity of a college education for all.”

Patrick was not just influential within our school. His work was well-known throughout the community and the country. He created a movement called Micromentalism, designed to make art accessible to everyone. Believing that the people who attended his shows should be able to afford his art, Patrick thought the works of an artist should be priced according to the buyer’s income.

I know Patrick’s passing comes as a shock to us all and he will be profoundly missed. For all the lives he has touched, there are so many students who will walk through our doors in the future that will not have the opportunity to benefit from his knowledge of and passion for art. But exceptional students will have an opportunity to benefit from a scholarship that the EDMC Education Foundation is creating in memory of Patrick.

Patrick’s family has asked that you respect their privacy as they mourn their loss. They realize that many of you would like to personally express your condolences, but they ask that you refrain at this time.

The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago will host a remembrance service for Patrick. Details about the service will be provided to faculty, staff and students as soon as they are finalized.

Sincerely,

John Balester Jenkins
President