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Clifford J. Hersted

Posted 2017-04-26 by Judy Wight Branson
The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona
Tuesday, April 25, 2017, page 5a

Clifford J. Hersted, noted high desert historian, sculptor and petroglyphs expert passed away April 10, 2017, in Prescott, Arizona.

Cliff, or “Kip” as he was known to many of his friends, was born to Arthur and Clara (Clauson) Hersted on Nov. 18, 1942, in Chicago. After finishing school there, he served in the U.S. Marines for two years. He graduated from California State College of Sacramento with a BA in Anthropology in 1981 and in 1989 earned an MA in International Affairs.

Cliff was always an artist but along the way was also a bookstore owner in Chicago, the stage manager for a music club in Los Angeles, and the operator of his own design business. He also completed 10 years of service with the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Specialist in Chinese Affairs.

Cliff arrived at Arcosanti in September 1992. In his 25 years there he worked with Paolo Soleri on specially sculpted bronze assemblies and served as the Arcosanti Gallery Director. He also taught silt-cast plaster and concrete workshops for visiting groups.

Cliff was a passionate explorer and documenter of the Agua Fria National Monument petroglyphs and in recent years he had been the driving force for the establishment of the High Desert Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Center located in Cordes Junction, Arizona.

Cliff, our “Desert Viking,” made things happen with persistence and determination. Friends are invited to join in Celebration of his Life on Wednesday, April 26, at 1 p.m., at the High Desert Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Center, 19600 E. Stagecoach Trail, Cordes Junction.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are suggested to the High Desert Heritage Museum.

Information provided by survivors.




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