Spankys Exhibition

Spanky (March 24, 2007 - May 4, 2009) was an up and coming artist with a raw and fresh talent for sculpture works. Spanky was at one time lost and homeless with no clear direction or future. While researching rescue beagles and basset hounds online, Spanky was discovered by fellow artists. Though he had so little time for success during his short lifetime, he did produce all of his work (some 50 pieces) during a period of only 2 years before his tragic death. (an accidental traffic incident, in front of his Texas home.) Spanky’s emerging fame was initiated at the 2008 United Sterling Artists Foundation 6th Annual Boots Ball, where he was of the top selling artists for the evening. It was his first exhibited works from his collection. This preceding his debut exhibition previously scheduled July 9, 2009 prior to the date of his untimely death May 4, 2009.

Spanky’s influence on the Houston art scene with his individuality and sheer gumption was geared for ground breaking success. His gregarious personality and extremely talkative nature left his fans literally howling in response. The “Spanky Exhibition” is dedicated to his life’s work and to the organization which helped place Spanky as a rescue canine.

Several works by Spanky are already held in private collection, as some of the most revered of all works within the collections. In October 2008 Spanky’s first of the series “Hell on Heels” was sold in the top 3 of the most valuable items commanding charitable donation.

Life and Work
Spanky was born in Harris County Texas , he was rescued from the local shelter in late May of 2007 at nearly 3 months old, after an in depth application process by his fellow artists and keepers. His talents were recognized early on, with his ability to work in nearly any material/medium. Spanky’s mentoring artists began to assist him in his works by documenting them with photography. (None of the images are enhanced in any way.)
In his first year, Spanky started to show true promise when he began the “Hell on Heels” series. Though this series will remain an unfinished project, the explosive response from his fans has warranted a serious take on the exhibition. Beyond his talents as an artist, Holly, with whom Spanky cherished a life of endearing companionship, refers to Spanky as the worlds most desirable attendee at a party. Spanky had an unmistakable ability to entertain. His deep one note howl started a social fad of groupies that frequently howled with delight in his honor. Young and old alike were seduced by his loving nature and mischievous play at social gatherings. When meeting his fans, they are readily able to provide a great deal of insight into the life of the artist, and to establish him as a talented sculptor, with an infectious spirit.
In 2007, Spanky followed the guidance of Holly and Christopher and engaged in his sculpture work in a most serious nature professionally. He began steadily preparing for his debut exhibition in 2009. Nearly all of his actual work/mediums were specially chosen by Spanky himself. He was some how able to recognize the artistic value in shoes and other found objects of greater value. His love of brand-new-high-heels was really what kept him motivated and focused. Though he was always willing to step outside of his comfort zone and explore other mediums such as leather phone carriers and prized stuffed animals. Still, nearly all of his work was done in complete privacy. He never allowed anyone into his studio until his works were nearly complete. So the actual selection process of his mediums remains a mystery yet today.
In 2008 Spanky spent some time on the ranch out west of Houston where he developed the love of wide open spaces. He loved to pack up with his ranch companions and play chase. While there on the ranch Spanky signed several of his fans cherished bed covers with his signature “single chew-hole” technique. It was his innate love of wild smells and the thrill of adventure that lead to his untimely death in 2009 as he snuck out of his home May 4, 2009 and into the street.
Impressed by his advanced ability to communicate with his fans, Spanky always remained in high demand for parties, sleepovers and dinner parties. His uncanny ability to tell out full-sentence descriptions and completely sass anyone who crossed him, made him the most interesting conversationalist around. He is most painfully missed by his friends, family, and loving fans.

• Hell on Heels Series
• The Lost and Found of Life Series

Displayed in his exhibition July 9, 2009. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to his rescue facility in an attempt to help save the lives of these powerful and influential little creatures. This exhibition is open to all his fans and friends.