CSUN Prof. Irving A. Block, Noted Painter, Dies

Irving A. Block, a professor emeritus at California State University, Northridge, and a noted painter and film maker, has died of a stroke. He was 73.

Block, a Studio City resident, was born in New York City. He joined the CSUN art faculty in 1964. He died Saturday at a North Hollywood hospital, a university spokeswoman said.

Block was a prolific painter whose works have been displayed across the country. Many of his paintings are now featured at the Ankrum Gallery in West Hollywood. Last month, Block was honored by the National Academy of Design for one of his paintings, which will be hung at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, an academy spokeswoman said.

During the 1950s, Block created special effects with paintings and models for dozens of low-budget horror and science fiction movies, including “The Forbidden Planet,” “Macabre,” “Kronos” and “The Caretakers.”

Known on campus as an inspiring and enthusiastic teacher whose classes were much in demand, Block in 1980 won the Outstanding Professor award, which is given each year to only two professors in the 19-campus California State University system. When the honor was announced, college officials allocated $200 for an award luncheon, but Block requested that the money be used instead for two $100 scholarships for CSUN art students, said Norman Tanis, director of libraries on campus.

Block retired from full-time teaching in 1980. He is survived by his widow and two grown children. A private memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday.