I was proud to think of Walt Harned as one of my “art brothers” during my outdoor exhibition years. Looking back, it seems like I have always known him. He was the kind of soul who blends with your life and whose laughter will not ever be far away from your mind much less your heart. I still turn quickly in a supermarket aisle when someone’s voice sounds like his.
Those are for me, moments when I relive chapters in the life of the great Walter “amazing the folks” during a St. James Court Art Show by putting a $10,000.00 sign high above the heads of visitors. A downward arrow pointing to a miniature canvas caused viewers to elbow their way through shoulder-to-shoulder afternoon pedestrian traffic to see the prized work.
In my booth located several spots down from Walter’s, I knew when another unsuspecting group fell prey to his impish sense of humor. There would be a roar of crowd laughter and his would by far be the most enjoyable.
Walter once gave me a pastel work of several owls looking down at a smaller owl. He said he dedicated it to me and titled it, “Short People”. I kept it with me in our Cloister Community Art Gallery as an example of his work to gain commissions for him.
As luck would have it, in walks the selection agent for The Kentucky Banker Magazine who is immediately delighted with the piece and wants it for the cover of the monthly Magazine that is distributed throughout the state.
Of course, I gave up my “Short People” gift so that Walter could have the distinction of having his owls purchased and placed on the front cover of the prestigious magazine. Inside its pages, a serious resume gave credit to Walter’s talents.
I had to smile when I read the glowing words I had written for the resume that was published to describe Walter’s career for those who turned the pages of The Kentucky Banker Magazine and wanted to know about the artist behind the whimsical owl painting. Sometimes you don’t include information about a $10,000.00 sign or a very tiny canvas . That’s for the crowds on the Saint James Court venue to ponder.
I recall Walter teasing little Amber when she entered his booth in a baby stroller during a St. James Art Show. He did an unappreciated “uncle” theft antic by pulling off her small shoe and telling her he was going to keep it. It’s little wonder that Amber kept a close eye on her shoes around Walter from that day forward.
For Amber’s benefit, we also had a “shoe” problem with a dear relative. His name was Uncle Julius and if you fell asleep on the couch at Grandpa Link’s house, he would tie your shoestrings together and you would find yourself stumbling to the floor when you woke up.
Lucky for them. Walter and Uncle Julius had other redeeming qualities.