Grace Runnette Clark

Grace Runnette Clark, 86, of Shadyside, passed away on Friday, November 28, surrounded by the love of her family. A gifted watercolorist and devoted teacher, Ms. Clark brought both artistry and service to every chapter of her life.

Her talent for illustration led her to a unique role as a police identification artist for the Pittsburgh Police Department from 1980 to 1982. Before that, she chronicled pivotal moments in Pittsburgh’s courtrooms as an artist for WTAE from 1976 to 1983. 

She later shared her passion for art with students at the University of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Museum of Art, where she taught throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, Ms. Clark also produced several solo exhibitions at galleries across the Pittsburgh region and in Maryland, earning admiration for her expressive, watercolor paintings of nature.

Ms. Clark received numerous awards for her work, most notably the Juror’s Award for Distinction, at the 1982 Associated Artists Annual. In 1960, she co-founded one of the area’s first contemporary galleries — the Pittsburgh Gallery of Fine Art.

Born and raised in Highland Park, Ms. Clark attended Fulton Elementary School and Winchester-Thurston before graduating from Carlow College in 1960. She went on to do graduate study at Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham College.

She married Peter Clark, co-founder of Consad Research Corp., and together they built a life centered on family, curiosity, and creativity. They welcomed one son, Josh, who remained the great pride of her life.

Ms. Clark is survived by her son, Josh Clark, of Shadyside; her siblings Jane Byrnes, Barbara Runnette and John Runnette, and her two granddaughters, Brooke and Devon Clark. She will be remembered for her generosity, her artistic spirit, her devotion to the Catholic Church and strong faith in God.

A private service will be held in the spring. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc.

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