Patricia Rushton: Home
RUSHTON, Patricia Lee
Oct. 25, 1940 – July 31, 2010
Patricia Rushton made a peaceful transition in her home in Santa Barbara on Saturday, July 31, 2010 after a brave journey with cancer. Her father, age 92, was by her side. Patricia leaves behind her father Roy Rushton, her brothers Richard and Ron Rushton , their wives, six nephews, and eight great-nephews and nieces. Born in Medford, OR, she graduated from U of Oregon with a BA in Art History, studied painting at SF Art Institute, and then pursued architecture at firms in San Francisco and New York . She traveled with her husband, Gordon Bok, helping with his concert tours, crewing on large wooden boats, and occasionally contributing to recording as a singer or instrumentalist. They lived in Maine, but she continued her painting career in New York City, where she was active in the contemporary art community. During this time, she also began to play the small harp.
During her 20 years in Santa Barbara, Patricia attended the Pacifica Graduate Institute receiving an MA in Depth Psychology. While working on her thesis, however, she became convinced that her strongest interests lay in creative processes and she made the decision to devote her time and energy to music. She developed her gift through writing and arranging Celtic harp music, performing her own compositions and arrangements, teaching classes in harp playing, music arranging, and creativity, and lecturing on the harp as a healing instrument. This dedication led her to produce and record “Open the Door Softly,” a collection of Irish and Scottish Celtic harp music. She also completed three books of harp music: Open the Door Softly; Songs for the Small Harp; and Arts and Letters.
Throughout her life she made everyone feel loved and welcomed. In her graceful, angelic way she was an absolute master at bringing about unity and oneness, accepting each and everyone as they are. Patricia loved and nurtured deeply as she celebrated the success and contributions of others, cheering and supporting the creative endeavors of her friends.
She was a sustaining member of “the Monday Group”; an original member of “The Foundation for Conscious Evolution Arts Group”; an active member of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Harp Society; played weekly with the James Joyce Session for 5 years; taught harp at the Braille Institute and to private students as part of her involvement with the Joy of Harps Program; performed at events including the Scottish Society Celebrations, art shows, weddings and especially, at the private gatherings of friends and fellow musicians; and graciously hosted many memorable Harp Circles and parties.
Patricia was a strong and beautifully creative woman. Her sweetness and humility will be treasured by those who knew her and can be felt in the amazing legacy of artwork and music that she has left us.
A memorial celebration will be held at 9:00 AM on Sat., Sept. 11, at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, at 1535 Santa Barbara Street.
For additional information contact Robin & Ejé Lynn-Jacobs at 805-898-9595. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patricia Rushton Harp Scholarship Fund. Please write checks to Nadine Bunn or Cherie Chako (memo: PRHSF) c/o Folk Mote Music, 1034 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-962-0830.
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Welcome!
The late Patricia Rushton was a musician from Santa Barbara, California, who played the Celtic harp. She loved finding and arranging old tunes for the lever harp. Mostly, Patricia performed locally, solo and with other musicians. On the pages of this website you will find everything from sound bytes from my CD, “Open the Door Softly,” to suggestions for exercises to save us from being sedentary musicians. There will be occasional sheet music to download for those who are inspired by a new tune (or very old, as is often the case). The truth is, we don’t know if the copyright laws allow to offer arrangements in that way . . . so you can look for the published books in a few months. One of Patricia's harp students is a stroke survivor and you’ll find her link here as well as links to instrument makers, other music websites, and helpful reference sites.
All proceeds and CD sales from Patricia's music now go to the "Patricia Rushton Harp Scholarship fund" at Folk Mote Music in Santa Barbara, CA. Contact Nadine Bunn or Cheri Chako at Folk Mote Music, 1034 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-962-0830.