Boston's art community is a small one, often like a close-knit family, and for the past 15 years Ellen Wetmore and Jeff Warmouth have been an active and visible part of our family. Often they are more than that, as leaders, curators, supporters, and friends. So it is with great sadness that I write to say that a week ago, on October 9th, they lost their second son just prior to birth. His name was Zachary Owen Warmouth.
Since the birth of their first son, Alex, in 2006, both Wetmore and Warmouth have devoted much of their artwork to the joys and frustrations of parenthood. Wetmore's recent show at Boston Sculptor's Gallery "The Joys Of Parenthood" was a funny, and intense, look at her fears around her pregnancy.
A memorial was held this past Saturday, and the family has expressed that flowers are welcome, or a donation in Zachary's name to First Candle, a charity that works to stop SUID/SIDS and stillbirth, would be appropriate.
Below is an excerpt of a letter sent by the artists, reproduced here with their permission.
Jeff Warmouth and Ellen Wetmore are heartbroken to announce the birth and death of our second son, Zachary Owen Warmouth, at 3:25 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2009. He died in utero sometime before 11 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2009. He was six pounds two ounces, 18 ½ inches long, with dark brown curly hair, and long feet and hands.
[...]
To try to make sense of the senseless is a cruel and fruitless undertaking. After science and statistics and karma and soul-searching have had their say, the most meaningful solace is in the love and support of you, our family and friends. Zachary would have loved each and every one of you and we are lucky to have you in our life.
Zachary will be cremated and his remains will be interred at our home. Ellen will create a permanent reliquary in his likeness later.
Our hearts go out to Jeff and Ellen, and all of us at Big RED & Shiny wish them the best. Our small community family has lost a member. Please keep Jeff, Ellen and Alex in your thoughts.
