Stephen Daly

Stephen Jeffrey Daly, known to friends and loved ones as Steve, passed away peacefully at his home in Laguna Beach, CA on January 17, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and their daughter, Sabina. Steve was born on Governor’s Island, New York, during his father’s service in World War II. As a Fourth of July baby, his birthday was always celebrated with grand festivities, a reflection of his vibrant spirit.

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A lifelong artist and educator, Steve dedicated his life to the pursuit of beauty and creative expression. From a young age, Stephen demonstrated remarkable talent as a flautist, earning recognition for his musical ability. However, his passion shifted toward the visual arts during his time at San Jose State University, where he was especially drawn to sculpture, a medium that became central to his creative journey. In an amusing twist, he was once invited to join the ranks of the original Mouseketeers, but the prospect of a life in front of the camera failed to capture his interest. 

 

Instead, he earned his undergraduate degree from San Jose State University in California and his Master of Fine Arts from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he studied on a prestigious scholarship. His talent was recognized early on with numerous awards and exhibitions during his college years.

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In 1973, Steve was awarded the Prix de Rome, an honor that allowed him to live and travel in Rome for two years. This transformative experience greatly influenced both his personal life and his work, and his love for Italy remained a constant throughout his life.

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Over the course of his career, Steve taught art at several prestigious universities, beginning at the University of Minneapolis. He later taught at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California; Texas A&M in Bryan-College Station, Texas; UTSA in San Antonio, Texas; and ultimately at the University of Texas at Austin, where he had a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues. His mentorship and dedication to art education were hallmarks of his career.

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Steve’s artistic vision took him around the world. He completed residencies at the Can Serrat International Art Center in Barcelona, Spain (2008); the Multicultural Center in Budapest, Hungary (2006); the Forum Internacional de Escultura Ambiental in Havana, Cuba (2000); and at the American Academy in Rome (1973–75).

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A passionate advocate for the arts, Steve founded a study abroad program in Italy in 1984, initially focusing on studio art and later expanding to include Italian language, architecture, and art history. In 1986, he helped establish the Blue Star Art Space in San Antonio, a vital cultural hub that continues to influence the community. In 2010, Steve founded the Texas Sculpture Group, a network for working artists. His work continues to be exhibited at the William Campbell Gallery (Ft. Worth), Lydia Street Gallery (Austin), and ELLIO Fine Art (Houston).

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Steve’s love of art was matched by his love of life’s simple pleasures. He found solace and joy in sitting in the sun, with his favorite places being Sperlonga, Italy, and Kona, Hawaii. Art was his lifeblood, and he continued to create until physical limitations no longer allowed him to do so.

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Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, their daughter, Sabina Daly, and his grandson Jay Daly. He was a man of deep respect—for others and for the world around him—and that respect shaped both his personal relationships and his approach to life.

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In accordance with Steve’s wishes, his family will scatter his ashes in the places he cherished most. His legacy will endure through the art he created, the students he mentored, and the many lives he touched. The family is also exploring additional ways to honor his legacy and will share these plans in the future.