Amazing opportunity

[windrider86]

Yesterday I had the most amazing day! I was asked to do a show at the State Capital (Colorado) by a good friend, Wes McKinley (Democratic rep) First thing, Had breakfast with the Governor, had lunch with the Senators and State Reps. Took tons of photos of the inside of the Capital which is stunningly beautiful. Was taken on a tour of the private catacombs beneath the Capital and under the city. That was super cool!

Wes played some music in the lobby while I showed my art. Fun!

The most amazing thing happened. This guy comes walking in all sweaty and smelly and looking rather rough. And smelled it as well. But, he was holding the most amazing bronze I had ever seen! No one would talk to him because of how he looked, so I did. Helped him find a place to set the bronze down and was amazed that he told me he had been carrying it for ten blocks ( I couldn't even lift it, it was so heavy)
Turns out the guy was from Michigan, his mother and his wife were both died (I didnt ask) I guess he had some Russian friend who was also an artist who promised him he knew of these galleries in Denver that would purchase his bronzes. He had two, one of a bronco and one of the buffalo. So, off they went. They get to Denver pretty much broke (again I didnt ask) The other guy lets my new friend off at a gallery promising him they would buy his Buffalo ($12,000) and left the other in the truck. The Russian guy drives off and never comes back and the gallery said no to his purchase. The guy waited for hours and hours and his friend never came back.
Keep in mind the guy had no where to go back to now. No family and he had no money so now the guy is homeless and had been for almost 2 months now. And, carrying around his bronze. I admire his determiness not to sell it for less altho I;m not sure how smart that is.
At the end of the day he helped me load up my stuff and seemed so grateful for me introducing him to so many people and all of my help. I asked if I could buy him a room or at least give him a ride somewhere. He hugged me and said I am home. This is what God wants me to have right now and I;m ok with it. When someone buys my piece I can get a studio to crate more and to live in.
Eyeopener for sure. I hope I see him as someone famous someday

[Krusty79]

The private tour sounds cool.

A Russian friend in Michigan knew of a gallery in Denver that would buy the bronze pieces? Huh? What a bizarre story. I guess that brings new meaning to the phrase, "starving artist." I hope you didn't have to shower after giving him a hug!

[milosh]

Wow, what a story! Makes you think, doesn't it!

[windrider86]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

The private tour sounds cool.

A Russian friend in Michigan knew of a gallery in Denver that would buy the bronze pieces? Huh? What a bizarre story. I guess that brings new meaning to the phrase, "starving artist." I hope you didn't have to shower after giving him a hug!

lol, I did as soon as I got home. Feel bad but I could smell him all the way home which is a 3+ plus drive.
This was the guy and his bronze along with State Rep Wes McKinley

[Hill Country Hack]

Quite the interestingly sad story. Somone duped into bad decisions. I sure hope the guy does sell his piece for his price. Great outlook on life too. Thanks for sharing the story.