World famous artist dies in warehouse fire in Houston

(3/31/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- The Houston art community is shocked to learn the unconscious man taken out of a burning warehouse is a world famous artist. We've learned the man who lived there is Robin Utterback.

The fire happened late Thursday afternoon at the warehouse on Grant in the Montrose area. When fire broke out, firefighters transported an unconscious man to the hospital. But it wasn't until Friday that shockwaves rocked through Houston's art community as it was discovered the nationally known artist was dead.

At her namesake gallery, friend Barbara Davis pulls out a collection of drawings and paintings by her friend. Davis last saw the contemporary artist on Wednesday, just a day before his studio and home was set on fire.

"The first thing that went through my mind was what a tragedy it was and what a loss it was for humanity," said Davis.

By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, Utterback was already unconscious. Arson investigators say the fire was intentionally set. He died early Friday morning, ending a four decade long contemporary art career.

"I remember him being one of the most challenging, smart young men when I first met him here, and he always had that kind of sharp intelligence," said friend Alison Delima Greene.

Greene is just one of many friends Utterback made along the way. His deft use of color and lines made him a standout in local art scene. His works are showcased in galleries from Houston to New York and even overseas.

Friends say Utterback had just sold his studio and was planning to move to a different studio. He was very excited about that and that's why friends say this is even more devastating.

"In the art world, he was what was called a painter's painter," said longtime friend Lynn Herbert.

Herbert says she doesn't know who would intentionally set fire to Utterback's studio and is just hoping a suspect is caught soon.

"He was a very loyal friend," she said. "He loved his dogs. Had a green thumb, beautiful garden, just a special person."
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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