Fsu honors
ChrIstopher stIll
I n recognition of his significant and humane contributions to Florida State University
and to the citizens of the state of Florida, Florida State University presented Tarpon
Springs artist Christopher Still an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Christopher, who was born in Clearwater, began his art education as a child and
attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Jefferson Medical School
and the Frudakis Academy in Philadelphia. In 1986, he returned to Florida to paint,
where he used his passion for the state’s land and people to create works of art that
reflected its history and natural beauty. In 1999, then Speaker of the Florida House
of Representatives John Thrasher had a vision to renovate the House’s chamber by
incorporating works of art that would inspire its members. Christopher was selected to
create ten murals for the project that would feature decades of Florida’s environmental
history. His paintings, and the legends that explain them, have become the foundation
for lessons in history, art and science, as well as a favorite field trip for many of the
state’s school children.
At the ceremony, keynote speaker John Phelps, the director of the Senate Rules
Committee, stated that Christopher’s imagination speaks lyrically of Florida’s soul, as
he transforms what he sees into paintings of great beauty. Phelps further commented
that Chris heightens elements of the natural world through his art to reveal essential
character. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Christopher Still was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame and is
the Artist in Residence for the Florida Legislature. His paintings can be found in museums and
private collections, including the Governor’s Mansion of Florida, the Smithsonian Institution
and the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg.
JULY/AUGUST 2016 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 133
Artist Christopher Still was awarded
an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
degree by Florida State University.
AARRTT
FSU President John Thrasher, a
former Florida Senator and Speaker
of the House of Representatives
who led the project to renovate the
House’s chamber, congratulated
Christopher Still at the ceremony
that conferred an honorary doctorate
degree upon this acclaimed artist
and native son.
FSU PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
FSU PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES