Randy Coleman, an artist and columnist for the San Francisco Bay Times, recently died after a long illness. In an era of computer-generated drawings, Coleman handcrafted each of the pieces for his “SF Sketch” column, often using just a sketchpad and pencil. He would sometimes even present the art directly to the Bay Times for publication, as he favored a personal approach. The images frequently highlighted San Francisco landmarks and popular LGBTQ events, such as well-known buildings in the Castro or moments from the San Francisco Pride Parade.
Born and raised in New York, Coleman studied art history and architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. He moved to San Francisco in 1975, making the city his home from then on.
For many years he worked as a waiter and was a proud member of UNITE HERE Local 2, the hospitality workers’ union in San Francisco. The arts remained his passion, though, as anyone who met Coleman could attest. He would often gift friends and colleagues packages full of his incredible sketches, and some members of our San Francisco Bay Times team were grateful recipients of these heartfelt collections.
Coleman took pride in his work for the Bay Times, so much so that he decorated the door to his apartment with published artwork from his column. Neighbors tell us that he enjoyed spending time with his cats, traveling, and collecting handcrafted items—furniture, glasswork, paintings, and more—from other fellow artists.
He is survived by his brother Chris. The two were very close and attended some Bay Times holiday parties together. Additional champions of his art included attorney Nancy Conway and her partner and business manager Mischelle Mandel. The couple, friends of the Bay Times publishers, first introduced our team to Coleman.
Coleman was a generous and considerate colleague who touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Friends are hoping to present an exhibit of the work of this prolific and gifted artist in future.
In Memoriam
Published on April 4, 2024
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