09/18/2026
This is so special! Check out this painting next time you’re in with us.
There are moments in this little art adventure of mine that mean more than selling a painting ever could.
The Ada Grill has been one of those special places for Dawn and me. They’ve been incredibly supportive of Shakerbrud, they have quite a few pieces of my artwork hanging on their walls, and—maybe even better—it’s a place that has introduced us to some really wonderful people.
Two of those people were Janis and Jerry.
A while back, I did a painting of the two of them sitting at their favorite spot at the bar. I knew they liked it, but I don’t think I fully understood how much that painting meant to their family.
Jerry passed away a few months ago, and afterward the Ada Grill asked if they could hang a print of the piece. I was more than happy to say yes.
Tuesday night, Dawn and I had dinner with Janis and the family—sitting at this big table, directly underneath that painting.
That was pretty darn cool.
I’ve said this before, but one of the greatest compliments you can give an artist isn’t just buying their work. It’s when something you created becomes part of somebody’s story. They hang it in their home. They give it as a gift. They tell other people about it. And sometimes, like this one, it becomes a little piece of a family’s memories.
Years ago, I worked in insurance. I liked it and met plenty of good people. But taking this leap into art—occasionally scary and, shall we say, not always the most financially predictable career move—has opened up an entirely new world for Dawn and me.
And we are richer because of the people we’ve met along the way.
So if you happen to be at the Ada Grill, head upstairs and look above the fireplace. You’ll see Janis and Jerry sitting together at their favorite bar.
Without a doubt, two of the nicest people I’ve had the privilege of meeting.
And one of the pieces I’m most proud to have created.