April 7, 2015 JUNEAU – Governor Bill Walker and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott today joined Alaskans in mourning the loss of iconic Alaskan artist Rie Muñoz, who passed away yesterday at the age of 93.
Born in Van Nuys, California, Muñoz spent over 60 years in Alaska, where she became well- known for her bright watercolor paintings depicting uniquely Alaskan settings. In 1999 she received an honorary doctorate of humanities degree from the University of Alaska Southeast. Today her paintings and prints are carried in galleries throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
“Donna and I are praying for the family, including Representative Cathy Muñoz and her husband Juan,” said Governor Walker. “Rie Muñoz’s art touched the lives of so many Alaskans, even if they didn’t know her personally.”
“Rie was the quintessential Alaskan artist,” said Lieutenant Governor Mallott. “Her work depicted village life, commercial fishing and Alaskan families enjoying this great land. Toni and I will miss her presence in the Juneau community, and send our condolences to her family.”
