By Darragh Doiron
The Port Arthur News
May 14, 2008 05:16 pm
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You either know the work of Robert Rauschenberg or you don’t.
Some in Port Arthur don’t know its the hometown of an artist whose work has sold for millions of dollars a canvas. They do know his contemporary, Andy Warhol.
Sometimes I’m on the phone talking to someone in New York and when I say I’m in Port Arthur, they’ll mention Janis Joplin or Rauschenberg.
He died Monday at age 82.
I got to meet the artist two times. The first time was at a private home, in connection with his works at Museum of the Gulf Coast. He shook my hand, and rubbed it around in his own hands, for what seemed like a very long, whole minute. I have recreated that scenario many times over the years when I share this anecdote.
The second time was in a Houston gallery where many in attendance probably owned his works. There was a great, loud chatter of anticipation. My back was turned when a hush fell over the lobby: Rauschenberg was in the house.
This time I got close enough to give him a few pink granite chips off the Port Arthur sea wall. He seemed genuinely pleased. I’ve always hoped he used them in a collage.
Seeking dads in Groves
Let someone know how you feel about your father. The Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center is accepting nominations for the annual Groves Father of the Year essay contest through noon on Friday, June 6.
To nominate a father, submit a letter stating why he should be selected “Father of the Year” in 200 words or fewer. Include his name and address as well as your name and address and day phone number. The nominee must be a resident of Groves. A committee will review the entries and the person who submitted the winning entry will be notified the following week.
Submit letters to the Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center, 4399 Main Ave. in Groves. Call 962-3631 for information.
Save the date for Kent Conwell
Avalon books is already publicizing “Grave for a Dead Gunfighter,” by Kent Conwell of Port Neches. The story of Clint Bowles, who is creating a new life for himself after causing the death of his adopted father, will be out in August. Bowles, one of the deadliest gunfighters in the west, is stunned to learn a decade later that his father may still be alive.
Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.
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