Nancy Hauk, the popular Pacific Grove, California visual artist for whom the Pacific Grove Library’s art gallery is named, died on July 22 after a long illness. With her husband Steve Hauk, the author of short stories based on true events from the life of John Steinbeck, she owned and operated Hauk Fine Arts, the art gallery located near Holman’s department store, a Pacific Grove landmark celebrated in John Steinbeck’s fiction. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated with a degree in art history from Connecticut College before moving to Pacific Grove with her husband in the 1960s. Her watercolors—painted at home in California and on trips to France—were featured last year in a well-attended exhibition at the Pacific Grove Library, where John Steinbeck’s wife Carol is thought to have worked when the couple lived in Pacific Grove in the 1930s. Hauk Fine Arts specializes in the work of California artists from John Steinbeck’s era and is located near other local landmarks familiar to Steinbeck fans. These include the Steinbeck family cottage on 11th Street and the former home of Steinbeck’s friend Ed Ricketts, where the Hauks lived until Nancy moved to The Cottages, the Carmel assisted-living apartments where she died peacefully, surrounded by her husband with daughters Amy and Anne and mourned by friends and fans everywhere.
About Administrative Team
Steve, my sincere condolences.
John
My husband and I first met Nancy and Steve over 18 years ago. A friendship grew over the years. Nancy, a beautiful, talented lady had the most georgous smile. She was lit from within. Her knowledge and love of art made her a wonderful partner for Steve with his knowledge of the Steinbeck era and its artists. Part of Nancy will always be felt within Hauk Fine Arts Gallery. She will always be with her family and friends. We will always miss her…..now Nancy is able to soar! love, Susan and E.J. Eckert
I was very sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. What a vibrant person she was.
Condolences to Steve.
Sincerely,
Paul
Steve, I send condolences on behalf of everyone at San Jose State. Nancy will be missed, but like Steinbeck, her work will live forever.
Nick Taylor, Director, Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies, San Jose State University
Steve, our sincere condolences.
Herb and Robbie Behrens
Nancy was a Veritable Force!
She will be missed…
Nancy Hauk was a lovely and talented woman who had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that stopped traffic. It was my and my late wife Kris Hardin’s lucky day when Nancy and Steve Hauk befriended us. I will always cherish the memory of our times together and Nancy’s eloquent, peaceful humanity and kindness. There are some people who have touched people’s hearts in a deep and profound way and have done it almost effortlessly. When such people leave this world they leave a space that cannot be filled. They linger ever after in the hearts and in the minds of those who knew and loved them and the work they did continues to touch people they never knew. Nancy Hauk was such a person and I shall miss her and remember her. To my friend Steve I say, you lucky bastard. You had the world in your hands with Nancy and she loved you so and you stood by her and took care of her wonderfully.
Steve, My sincere condolences.
Dear Steve,
Murphy just told me that Nancy is gone. You were such a great and talented couple. I will always remember Nancy’s infectious laugh.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
With Love, Kathy Steiner
Dear Steve,
What a blessing to have known Nancy and what a special couple you were together. The Hauk Galkery which you created together and your writing along with Nancy’s art will continue to inspire, inform and enrich the lives of so many. Mike and are are fortunate to have you in our lives and send our love to you and your family.
Peggy Gibbs