Awaiting another chance to shine

Lolita Harper

It is not often people get a chance to relive their most glorious

moments, but downtrodden artist E. Dewey Turner will do just that

Sunday when he takes part in an art discussion.

The acclaimed artist, who fell on hard times as the years went,

will again share his knowledge of the art industry at a meet and

greet session at River’s Edge furniture store at 1661 Superior Ave.

River’s Edge co-owner Ken Edwards agreed to let Turner showcase

his pieces at the rustic furniture shop and is now promoting the

discussion in the hope that Turner can draw some attention to his

paintings. His masterpiece, the “City of Venice,” which hangs across

the back wall of the shop, will be the focus of the discussion.

Edwards said he wants to help Turner turn his life around. Turner

has had a bout of pneumonia and lost his house. He lives in his late

model sedan when he cannot afford a motel room.

“He is really such a sweet guy,” Edwards said. “ I keep telling

him, ‘You are not a charity case. You have things to sell. We just

have get people interested.’”

Article after article in Turner’s scrapbook document his various

speaking engagements, gallery exhibitions and other accomplishments.

The 80-year-old artist will revisit his lecturing past as the keynote

speaker Sunday.

Friend and former neighbor Barbara Humphreys said she is pleased

to hear of Edward’s helping Turner. Humphreys and her longtime friend

Bobbie Hope, who lived in Bayside Village with Turner before being

evicted, said they have also tried to help the struggling artist and

his longtime companion, Lisa Rogers, with meals, motel vouchers and

free storage for his many art pieces.

“I think it is just terrific that he gets a chance to do what he

loves again,” Humphrey said. “And Lisa, too. She deserves a lot of

credit. She has taken care of him for 40 years. She is a saint of a

little lady.”