Received 10-5-9  

I just happen to be channel surfing when I came upon a program on Dr. Grigsby. I have often thought about this man and the influence he had in my life. I hope you will be able to pass this e-mail onto him. 
 
My name is Frank Baldizan. I attended Phoenix Union High School from the fall of 1963 through June 1967. I believe in 1965 or 1966 I had Dr. Grigsby as my art teacher. I took the class to pass time not expecting to really learn anything or to work so hard. I found out that it was as hard and challenging as any history or math class. 
 
I remember the days of having to create the daily composition, ten second sketches, and drawing without looking at the paper but looking at the subject instead. At first I thought he was crazy, but, in time I actually learned how to draw. He taught us to use perspective in our drawing, how to grade ourselves, and the meaning of the words initiative and perseverance. I still use those words everyday in whatever I'm doing. I think his most unforgettable influence on me was teaching me how to mix colors. Today I can look at any color and mix others to make that color exactly. 
 
I remember he made us pick an old master artist (mine was Rembrandt) and we had to learn how to draw, paint, or sculpt in the style of that artist. Rembrandt is still my favorite of the old masters, and when the dutch masters exhibit was here in Phoenix I was one of the first to go see it due to Dr. Grigsby's influence. 
 
In 1972 I moved to Los Angeles where I lived until 2001. I worked for Pacific Bell for 25 long years., I was not happy, so, I quit to pursue my interest in pottery restoration. I became prolific in doing invisible restoration and being able to match color exactly. It was hard at first, but, I always remembered the words "initiative" and "perseverance" that Dr. Grigsby had drummed into us. I moved back to Phoenix in 2001 back into the house I was born in. I enjoyed my restoration work until 2007 when arthritis caused me to stop doing it full time. Now I only do it for myself and a couple of loyal clients. 
 
I remember visiting Dr. Grigsby's home once and how proud he was of his black heritage  Since 2007 I have embraced my hispanic background and started collecting antiques made in Mexico. Now I am also a part time antique dealer dealing in Mexican collectables, antiques, and old southwestern collectables. I don't think I would have ever pursued my interests if it hadn't been for Dr. Grigsby. I have thought about him many many times over the years and have often wondered what ever happened to him. I was so happy to see that program on TV and see that he is still around and influencing people. 
 
Dr. Grigsby. Thank you for taking the time to teach me how to learn. Thank you for showing me how to approach a project constructively, and thank you for giving me the initiative and perseverance to pursue my artwork and my antique business. I hope you live way longer than your 90 years. 
 
My fondest regards, 
 
Frank Baldizan Jr.

A "Thank you" reply was sent to Frank, 10-6-9 with a cc to Harriet (Cunningham) Zeaman, PUHS Alumni President, and a bcc to Dr. Grigsby.