Donald L. Grieger (Don), 89, well known Batavia artist, passed away August 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Louise (Bachinger), two daughters, Dr. Dara Grieger and Kimberly Grieger, nieces and nephews.
Don, a native of Niles, MI., held BS and MS degrees from the University of Michigan and The Air Force Institute of Technology. His working career was divided between the military (USAF), private industry (Xerox), and academia (GCC). In the 1970s he began oil painting and discovered a passion that directed the rest of his life. He was basically self-taught with help from a few workshops. He was pleased when he was invited to join the Batavia Society of Artists.
He and the late John Hodgins began a tradition of meeting Saturday mornings, rain or shine, at Miss Batavia Diner for coffee, conversation and cinnamon rolls, then going out to paint whatever field, farm or street scene that caught their attention. They gradually expanded to include other like-minded painters and evolved into The All Weather Gang. For more than 30 years they have become a familiar sight, with easels set up, battling the elements wherever the landscape draws them.
Eventually Don began entering shows, winning awards and recognition. He became an artist member of several prestigious art organizations. He was a long-time member of The Salmagundi Club, NYC, the oldest art organization in the USA. In 2017 he was honored to be awarded Emeritus status. He was also honored with Emeritus status in the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters, Rochester, NY. He is listed in Who's Who in American Art.
For six years he and Louise operated a summer gallery in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony, Gloucester, MA, which draws collectors from all over the world. Don's paintings are in public and private collections in almost every state, throughout Canada and Europe as well as South America and Australia. Don considered himself a painter, not an artist. He felt history should decide if what he created was art.
As he requested, any Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Anyone who wishes to remember him can send donations to the Don Grieger Plein Air Award at: GVPAP, Inc. 44 Meadow Cove Rd. Pittsford, NY 14534 or The Don Grieger Landscape Award at: Rochester Art Club c/o Gabriele Lodder (RAC Treasurer) 977 Pathway Lane Webster, NY 14580. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
