That’s what Wanda says in the screenplay Barfly after a bum gives her and Henry a light for a cigarette. Henry replies, “It’s time those fuckers came out of hiding.”

So the most amazing thing happened here a few days ago. The art shipper came to pick up my work that is going to Denise Bibro for Detonate next month, and he turns out to be one of the nicest guys on the face of the earth. We get to talking while we are packing up the paintings in the truck, and many subjects come up. We get to know a little bit about each other and such. He’s an artist himself, a photographer, born in Germany, raised in Israel, lives in Brooklyn with his family… I told him about how this is my first showing in NY, etc. And just as he is about to pull away, he hands back the cash I gave him for his fee and tell me to go to NY so I can be ay my show. He knocked the wind out of me and I of course would not accept it. I regretted telling him I could not afford to go, as I certainly was not expecting him to do such a thing. He pushed and pushed and insisted he wanted to sponsor the trip, and if I sold the work I could pay him back. If I didn’t, then it was a courtesy of his business in shipping for artists. He said he did this at times when he had a full load, and he did.

I was just absolutely stunned, and even in the last seconds as he was closing the door of the truck, he would not allow me to shove the envelope of money back into his jacket pocket. he just kept saying, “No! It makes ME feel good. Don’t Worry about it.”

As he drove away, he rolled the window down and said, “I’ll see you at the opening. I’ll be there!” and he was smiling ear to ear, waiving goodbye.

I was crying, I just could not believe it. And all I did was give him lemons from my tree. I tried to feed him too, because he was very hungry, but he wouldn’t even take water or a banana or anything from me. It was a little frustrating. I told him the way to the best pizza in town however and I hope he went there.

So… I guess I’m going to Chelsea!!!!

The opening is February 2nd 6-8 PM!

Thanks to Shlomo the angel. 🙂