Robert Riseling (1941-2025) Robert Riseling was born in Sioux City, Iowa, the only son of Margaret and Dutch Riseling, with two sisters, Kay and Suzie.Although his path began in the Midwest, his true life's work unfolded in the classroom. After earning his MFA from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, he first taught in Monticello, Iowa and later at St. Cloud State University. In 1974, he arrived at the Memphis College of Art, where for nearly four decades he introduced generations of students to the joy, challenge, and discipline of the visual arts. In 1985, he founded the now legendary Horn Island excursion, inspired by Gulf Coast artist Walter Anderson. What began with nine students grew into a tradition spanning more than 20 years. Bob guided students through the island's shifting sands, storms, and stillness, believing it to be a halcyon place, one that revealed beauty, demanded resilience, and sparked creativity. He spent 172 nights on Horn Island and even served Spam (with humor and ceremony) as part of the adventure. A prolific artist himself, Robert's work was shown wideley and is represented in public and private collections across the country.