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IN MEMORY OF: RODERICK SYKES, CO-FOUNDER OF ST. ELMO VILLAGE

Details: Category: In Memory Of; Published on Wednesday, 15 September 2021 13:52; Written by Jacqueline Alexander-Sykes

“Everyone is an artist. Everyone has the ability to create. What my life is about is sharing the creative process.”
“Do What You Love. Love What You Do.”
~ Roderick Sykes

Roderick Sykes, my Husband, friend, and life partner of over 41 years passed away April 5, 2021, at the age of 75, after a five-year struggle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Roderick is now at peace.

He was a giant in the Los Angeles community and an artistic master in multiple mediums; Photography, Acrylic/Oils, Assemblage Art, Drummer, Saxophone player, and an amazing muralist. He was known Nationally and Internationally for his creative work.

Roderick was the co-founder of St. Elmo Village, an artist enclave in Mid-City LA, which has been in existence for over 52 years. During the Village’s long history, Roderick poured his art and love into the Los Angeles community as a public speaker and arts educator. He developed and taught workshops for children and adults, which included painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and African drumming.

“St Elmo Village is a place where love is made visible through the work.”
~ Roderick Sykes

He was dedicated to sharing the creative process as a way of helping people see their own creative potential.

Roderick touched the lives of many here at St. Elmo Village and around the world. He was an Artist, Visionary, Arts Advocate, Motivational speaker, and an inspiration. His mission was to encourage all of us to live life creatively.

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With Jeff Bridges and co-founder Rozzell Sykes / Mayor Tom Bradley visits St. Elmo

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There are no words to express how much Roderick will be missed by me, our community, family, and friends. The spirit of his life will live on in the work he has inspired in others and in the work at St. Elmo Village that he created.

With Senator John V. Tunney and co-founder Rozzell Sykes

Peace and Light,
Jacqueline Alexander-Sykes

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

Alzheimer’s Association, www.alzgla.org

UCLA Alzheimer’s Dementia Care Program, www.uclahealth.org/dementia

or Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, www.seasons.org

St. Elmo Village: https://stelmovillage.org laist.com St. Elmo Village article

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