Pete S. Christman

Pete Christman Savannah – Pete Sanford Christman, 76, of Savannah, passed away with his children at his side on Wednesday, August 15th, at Memorial Hospital after an illness. A celebration of Pete’s extraordinary life will be held at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 2nd., followed by a reception and an exhibition of Pete’s art. Pete was born July 21, 1942, in New York City, to parents Sarah Potter Conover Christman and Adrian Fryers, and stepfather Bill Christman, all of whom preceded him in death. Pete is survived by five children: his youngest son, Max Christman, of Savannah; Sierra Gilder (and husband Russell), of Daphne, Alabama; India Rodriguez (and husband Richard) of Hayward, California; Jill Christman (and husband Mark Neely) of Muncie, Indiana; and Ian Christman (and wife Jutta) of Alpharetta, Georgia. He is also survived by his previous wives, Paula Christman, of Savannah, and Martha Christman, of Marcus, Washington; his brother, Chris Christman; his sister, Cheryl (“Chickie”) Garrett of North Haven, Connecticut; and ten grandchildren: Amber, Jade, Ruby, Ella, Scarlet, Rose, Henry, Violet, Gemma, and Coral. Pete was a much beloved father, friend, and teacher, and a true artist and renaissance man. He made art every single day of his life and his dedication to creating was an inspiration to all. Pete earned a B.F.A. in art history and sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1966 and an M.F.A. in sculpture from Syracuse University in 1968. Pete joined the faculty at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 1982 and went on to become the longest employed professor, teaching photography for over thirty-five years. Since becoming the first professor emeritus at SCAD three years ago, Pete made more than 10,000 images. A scavenger of visual information by nature, Pete’s vision challenged all of us to more sharply see the world we live in, and that vision lives on in his art and memory. In lieu of flowers, the family is working on a fund to support artists; more details to follow soon. Condolences may be offered online at https://www.facebook.com/theartofpetechristman (where visitors can view Pete’s art online) or https://www.bonaventurefh.com/obituaries/Pete-Christman/#!/TributeWall.

Pete S. Christman

July 21, 1942 - August 15, 2018