Obituary: Philis Raskind Anderson, 82, of Weston

WESTON, CT — After a year long struggle with brain cancer, Philis Raskind Anderson died peacefully at home in Weston, on Sunday afternoon, September 30, 2018. Philis was born in NY, NY to Philip Raskind and Estelle (Marco) Raskind.

Philis worked as a sculptor and an instructor in NYC. She studied at the National Academy School of Fine Art NYC, the Art Students League NYC, the School of Visual Arts NYC, the Connecticut Graphic Center Norwalk, and with Frank Licetra, Master Wood Carver. Her exhibitions in galleries and museum include: Allied Arts of America NYC, Belanthi Gallery, Barbara Levy Gallery NYC, Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Club NYC, DC Moore Gallery (photographs), Lever House Gallery, the National Sculpture Society, the Salamagundi Art Show, NYC, The Millennium Gallery, Silvermine Gallery, CT and Viselaya, MA., among many others.

Throughout her life, she was the recipient of multiple grants and awards, including the National Sculpture Society Scholarship Award, the Elizabeth T. Greenshields Grant, the Louis La Beame Prize (National Academy), the Anna Hyatt Huntington Bronze Medal, Gold Medal (Pen & Brush Club) and the Kalos Kagathos Award (National Sculpture Society) to name just a few.

Philis accepted commissions from: the Commemorative Peace Medal (U.S. - North Vietnam), NYC Opera, CT Opera, Pfizer, Merck, and the New American Library among others. Her work is represented in many private collections world wide. She is listed in the World Who's Who of Women Artists and in Who's Who in American Art.

In addition to her work as a sculptor and teacher, Philis produced many cabaret shows in NYC. She was an active participant in celebrity driven fund raisers for AIDS Research and Prevention, co-producing the first benefit for the AIDS Research Center at Bailey House NYC.

Philis is survived by her muse and the love of her life - her husband - Jon Anderson, many cousins and second cousins, as well as by her two Standard Poodles and Green Cheeked Conure. Her ferocity and passion, her intellect, her bawdy wit and insatiable curiosity about all things touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed, even as she continues to inspire.

There will be no formal service.