Nancy Ruth Nevergole

Nancy Ruth Nevergole, ceramic artist, passed away on June 9, 2024, just after her 74th birthday. She was born in Plymouth Meeting, PA on May 17, 1950. She attended Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and received a BS in education from Pennsylvania State University in 1972. She first arrived in Maine in 1975 to apprentice with the master potter Charles Abbot. Later she studied ceramics at Maine College of Art and drawing at Southern Maine Community College. She was briefly involved in theater and appeared as an extra in the movie "Man Without a Face." She loved to travel, visiting Europe and China. She especially liked the Romanesque sculpture of Southern France. Nancy was a small woman in stature, but her work was large and bold. Her work was exhibited at the Turtle Gallery in Blue Hill, University of New England Annual Sculpture Invitational, and more recently at shows presented by Lights Out, among many other galleries over the course of her career. Works were seen locally in restaurants (Bella Bella), Bars (Granny Killam's Industrial Drinkhouse), B&B's (Pomegranate Inn), and cafes (Coffee by Design). Her work appeared in magazines such as Down East and Better Homes and Gardens. She is best known for her large figures, but she also made many small works. In the 1990's she collaborated with poet Russ Sargent on The Poemvessels, a series of large pots, shown at the June Fitzpatrick Gallery. Her pieces have a lyrical, humorous charm, often with an erotic element. She often observed, and appreciated, the oddness in her sculptures and in people generally. One piece, while at UNE, was notoriously vandalized when the exaggerated male member was absconded with, never to be found. The incident was reported in the West End News. Her later period included Buddhist inspired meditative figures, and also a pair of elegiac figures signifying the twin towers. For many years she walked five miles each way across the bridge to Sawyer Street Studios in South Portland. In recent years she worked part time at Yes Books. Cancer was discovered while getting treated for injuries after being hit by a car on her bicycle. She battled cancer for a year and a half. Throughout her treatment Nancy inspired us with her infectious optimism and her love of people and of life. She always lit up the room. Her last words were "I love you, I love you, I am so happy." As Nancy has written: "Nothing is more poignant than the history of art to assure the artist it's not in vain." Nancy is survived by partner Russ Sargent, her beloved sister, Margaret Skurtin and brother John Nevergole and his wife Rosemarie. She is also survived by her niece, Jennifer Nevergole and husband Peter Williams, her nephew John Nevergole and wife Shivani Cashmore, along with a great nephew, Nolan Nevergole and great niece Siona Nevergole. All of whom Nancy adored and was so very proud of. Donations in Nancy's memory can be made to Alight, a non-profit serving refugees in war-torn countries.

Nancy Ruth Nevergole

May 17, 1950 - June 9, 2024

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