February 24, 1940 - November 29, 2024
We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Anna Banana. Anna was born in Victoria on February 24, 1940, and died peacefully on November 29, 2024, in Sechelt, BC. She is survived by her daughter Dana (Bruce) and her cherished grandsons Miles and Riley.
Anna was an elementary school teacher in Vancouver in the 60's prior to honing her performance art skills in Big Sur and San Francisco. From her early days as the self-appointed Town Fool of Victoria, her Dadaist years, her European tours, the Banana Olympics in Surrey, her Mail Art and production of Artist Stamp editions, Anna pursued a unique career as a serious clown. Anna drew attention through humour and art to the human condition and our connections with one another.
Anna moved to the Sunshine Coast in the early 90s, where she built her home, became an avid gardener and felt blessed to live in such a beautiful community.
Highlights of her recent years included a major exhibition at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which was accompanied by the publication of "Forty Years of Fooling Around With A. Banana." Archivists at UBC were delighted to receive Anna's donation of her extensive collection, which included documents that she had collected for the, as yet unpublished, Encyclopedia Bananica.
Anna will be remembered by friends on the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver and Vancouver Island, as well as the International Mail Art Community.
Anna was grateful for the friendship of Odette, Diana, Sheila, Donna, Marlena, Alana & Eleanor and many more in her final years. Anna was also thankful for the support of Ed V, Ed H, Enrico & Douglas. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Sechelt Hospital who cared for Anna over the past year.
Friends of Anna are invited to a celebration of life on her birthday on February 24 at 2pm at The Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, a place where Anna was involved in many artistic activities over the years. RSVP [email protected]
