Gary Lawrence

January 15, 1940 – January 21, 2024 - As a young boy, Gary's father taught him gas torch welding, and he made a metal sculpture. Art was a hobby until age 30, when he sold several pieces. So he quit a corporate job to become a full time artist, moving his family into a log cabin in the Coast Range Mountains.

In 1977 he opened Lawrence Gallery, grew it to three locations, and sold more art than any other gallery in the Northwest. Gary gave many talented new artists their first art shows. And he helped hundreds of NW artists make a living from their artwork, still the gallery's purpose. He also helped several others open new art galleries. Flowers and birds were his favorite subjects for his sculptures.

Despite dyslexia, Gary was an avid reader. He loved exploring in nature, skiing, fly fishing, scuba diving, sailing along the West Coast and through the Caribbean, and bad jokes.

Gary is survived by his three ex-wives, all of whom remained friends, his children, Bradley, Brent and Angela; his nine grandchildren; and many loved relatives and friends.

2nd and 3rd generation Lawrences continue to create metal sculptures, and run Lawrence Gallery, now in its 47th year.

Memorial/Open House: Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 4 p.m. at Lawrence Gallery, 540 N. State Street, Lake Oswego OR. All are welcome.