John T. Scott, an MSU alumnus and accomplished sculptor, died Saturday in Houston from a complication in two bilateral lung transplants. He was 67.
Scott graduated in 1965 with a master’s of fine arts degree. His 27-year-old son, Ayo Scott, said while his father was at MSU, he met his greatest mentor and appreciated his education.
Ayo Scott said his father’s achievements were countless.
He won the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant and the Honorary Doctorate of the Humanities and the Distinguished Alumni Award from MSU, according to a university press release.
Ayo Scott remembers one phrase fondly that encompassed his father – “Pass it on.”
“Instead of the saying, ‘Pay it forward’ he would say ‘Pass it on,’” Ayo Scott said. “So whenever I’d say thank you to him, he wanted me to pass on the action.”
James Lawton, a professor in MSU’s Department of Art and Art History, referred to Scott as an inspiring artist and teacher.
Lawton said the department brought John T. Scott to MSU’s campus at least twice as a visiting artist.
“He has had cultivating force in helping students find their true potential,” Lawton said.
John T. Scott was able to give a great explanation of his own works and other contemporary works of art, Lawton said.
John T. Scott is survived by his wife, Anna Rita Scott, and son, Ayo, of New Orleans; four daughters Maria Scott-Osborne, of Boston, and Alanda Rhodes, Lauren Kannady and Tyra Joseph, of Houston, along with six granddaughters.
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