One Fine Summer Day

To everyone who helped with this project...

To everyone who showed up on the big day...

To everyone who contributed (morally and financially) to the Steve Smith Cathedral Art Scholarship Fund...

Thank you!!!

My entire family is grateful for your stories, contributions, and smiling faces. By all accounts, Steve would have been humbly pleased with the whole event. In many ways, his presence could be felt...through the coordination of his/my family...the reminiscing laughter among close friends...his art...his favorite music.

And for those who were wondering, the fund is currently at:

$3455

My goal is $20,000+ by the summer of 2011.

Both art scholarships (Come and Do) are covered for next year, along with a grant for the CHS Art Program. The grant total is TBD, as it will be based on the size of art scholarship fund.

The Steve Smith and Fellow CHS Alumni Art Show is already in the works for next summer. If you know of an artist, who is a Cathedral High School grad, please contact me at adam@smittyart.com. All artists and mediums will be considered.

The goal of next summer's show is three fold:

1. Benefit the Steve Smith Art Scholarship Fund and current CHS art students

2. Showcase the artistic talents of CHS alumni

3. Benefit and promote CHS artists

More information about the Steve Smith and Fellow CHS Alumni Art Show to come...

Also, stay tuned for more of Steve's artwork. There are currently 50 pieces cataloged. I am in the process of posting more pictures. And the best part...more pieces exist unbeknown to me.

Finally, there are still numbered prints of The Flat Iron and Edna G. available for donation ($20). Only 200 were printed, so get yours while they are still only $20/apiece. Blank cards featuring Steve's art are also available for donation ($2/card or 6 for $10). Choose from six different cards bearing images of The Flat Iron, Wesley the Cat, Prairie Castles, The Fishermen, Bandana Man, and Edna G. All cards come with envelopes (4 3/4" x 6 1/2"). All proceeds benefit the Steve Smith Cathedral Art Scholarship Fund. To purchase a print please contact me at adam@smittyart.com. Pick up or shipping arrangements will be made per request.

More artwork, artist links, and art show information to come!

The Red Carpet Event Center

***We found a new venue for the art show!***

The Red Carpet Event Center
Saturday, June 30th
1-4PM

***The date and time are the same.***

Please join us on this special day! We have over 50 pieces to display, including those found on this website. We will also have 150 prints of both "The Flat Iron" and "Edna G." for sale ($20). Three framed and signed prints ("Fishermen", "Skinny Dippers", and "Ocelot") will be available through a silent auction. All proceeds will go directly to the Steve Smith Cathedral Art Scholarship Fund...the first and only art scholarship fund at CHS.

This event is open to the public and we especially encourage family, friends, and classmates to attend.

If you have a piece to contribute to the show, please contact Adam Iten (adam@smittyart.com). The artwork will be returned to you after the show.

See you next month!

Athabascan Indian Boy

Title: Athabascan Indian Boy
Owner: Mom and Dad Iten
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (3/500)...all three prints of the Athabascan Indians were drawn while Steve lived in Fairbanks, AK in 1983. This portrait (along with the other Alaskan prints) was inspired by historic photos of the Athabaskan Indians that Steve came across at the library in Fairbanks, AK - noted by Teresa (Steve's sister).

"During the summer of 1983, I worked on Prince of Wales Island in SE Alaska. In August, I traveled up to Fairbanks to visit Steve. During his time in Fairbanks, he was hoping to finally make a living as an artist. Not wanting to create mainstream Alaskan art, he'd research subjects at the Fairbanks Historical Society. That's were he discovered the abundant archive of Athabaskan Indians. Inspired, and in the throes of artistic fervor, Steve created a substantial inventory of artwork in a relatively short period of time. Steve worked at a print shop during the day; then under the glow of the midnight sun, he would sketch. During my visit, I watched as Steve sketched the "Athabaskan Indian Boy" from beginning to end (about three nights). Watching him create his art was one of the most amazing things I ever witnessed."

- Teresa Asleson (Steve's sister)

Lake of the Woods Barn

Title: Lake of the Woods Barn
Owner: Tom Maiers
Received from: Tom
Creation Date(s): 1977
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: Signed..."the Barn" was a one of the buildings near Tom's cabin.

Fishing Buddies

Title: Fishing Buddies
Owner: Tom Maiers
Received from: Tom
Creation Date(s): 1978
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: Signed...Steve loved to fish. He routinely took trips to the Lake of the Woods with good friend Tom Maiers. Pictured here are Tom and his dog Jacobi...along with a fresh catch from the lake.

"Schmitty and I used to go up to Lake of the Woods a fair amount. My dog- Jacobi, Schmitty and I were usually the crew. There were some occasions that Runay (Steve's first wife) would come along. As a matter of fact, she went up with us when she was pregnant with Jesse (Steve's son and only child). He snapped a photo of me, Jacobi and a walleye on the dock. That's Canada over my shoulder. I still go up to that cabin quite often."

- Tom Maiers

Historic Homes of San Francisco

Title: Historic Homes of San Francisco
Owner: Linda Loso Stone
Received from: Linda
Creation Date(s): 1970s
Original: Yes
Medium: Oil or acrylic
Framed: Yes
Notes: Signed...painted from a photograph taken during a road trip to California

New Venue

As most of you have heard, O'Hara's Brew Pub and Restaurant closed indefinitely. We are currently seeking a new venue. Please check this website for updates. We will post the new venue soon!


Adam

Skinny Dippers

Title: Skinny Dippers
Owner: Teresa
Received from: Teresa
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...not signed...not numbered...a framed print has been donated to the showcase which will be available through a silent auction

The Fishermen

Full Image

The famous six fingered man

Title: Fishermen
Owner: Mom and Dad Iten
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (10/50) 1984...These men may look like cowboys, but are actually fishermen on a pier. You will find this print in Anton's Restaurant in St. Cloud, MN (Steve's hometown). Key question: does the man really have six fingers? Another key question: which guy are you? I'm the guy on the left, pondering life. Do you have one of the t-shirts donning this image? A framed print has been donated to the showcase which will be available through a silent auction. Steve sketched this piece alongside of his second wife Deanna...while she created the "Geisha Girls" portrait. Both are family favorites.

"Steve sketched the "Fishermen" when he was living in Fairbanks, Alaska. When I was up visiting him in the summer of 1983, he had recently finished it. He was pretty pleased with this particular piece of art. He told me that when he realized he made the artistic blunder, he was bummed and thought the artwork was no good and not reproducible. But in typical Steve fashion, he decided to relish in the barely discernable blemish. He said, "damn it, it's my art and I can draw it anyway I want!" He eventually came to enjoy pointing out the "six-fingered man"."

- Teresa Asleson (Steve's sister)

The Flat Iron

Title: The Flat Iron
Owner: Grandma
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed...The Flat Iron was an old restaurant in St. Cloud. A uniquely shaped building between the railroad tracks and the road (8th Ave and 2nd St S). According to the St. Cloud Times, "The bar and restaurant was known for its greaseless fries, Darrell Burgers and Ginny’s chili. Closed in 1992." Prints will be available for sale at the showcase.

Edna G.

Title: Edna G.
Owner: Carol
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed...A handwritten note from Steve on the back says: "Edna G. The last steam powered coal burning tugboat on the Great Lakes. Built in 1876. Permanently moored in Two Harbors (MN) in the mid 1930's." Prints will be available for sale at the showcase.

Ocelot

Title: Ocelot
Owner: Teresa
Received from: Teresa
Creation Date(s): 1984
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (18/50)...a framed print has been donated to the showcase, which will be available through a silent auction...what is an ocelot?

Wesley the Cat

Title: Wesley the Cat
Owner: Patrick J. Eller
Received from: Patrick J. Eller
Creation Date(s): Unknown
Original: Yes
Medium: Paint (oil)
Framed: No
Notes: Received as a gift from Steve...

"Steve was a friend since grade school and we hung out together until later in our high school years when we went our separate ways. When ever we ran into each other we were glad to catch up on what was going on. At least 20 years ago I was in St. Cloud for the evening and stopped at O'Hara's for last call. It was a quiet night and Steve was there alone. He had been drinking and I offered him a ride home. He accepted and when we got to his apartment on East River Road, he invited me up and we talked for awhile. When it was time to go he went to another room and brought out a painting of a cat on a sunny rug in what looked like the house he had lived in near Seberger Park Park in West St. Cloud, maybe not but the painting was more than 'good' it hinted mystery and singular talent. Steve told me it was one of his first and then insisted I take it. I left that night and never was with Steve again."

- Patrick J. Eller

"Pat, What a wonderful surprise to see this painting after so many years! This winter, I was reminiscing through all the catalog of Steve's artwork I knew of. I thought of this painting; then thought maybe my recollection was wrong because I hadn't see it for so long. The cat's name is Wesley (after John Wesley Harding). In 1977, when I was in college at St. Cloud State, I took a photograph of my cat Wesley upstairs in the old corner house I was living in (the house was on 10th across from State). Steve and I both loved the photo of Wesley basking in the sunlight on his favorite rug. When Steve was in art class at State, he used the photo of Wesley in his pensive pose to create this painting. Thanks for sharing. I hope to see you in June at Steve's art reception.

- Teresa Asleson (Steve's sister, aka "Little Smitty")

The Official Scholarship Announcement

Steve Smith Art Scholarship Fund
Established March 2007

This scholarship is created in honor and memory of Steve Smith, a Cathedral High School alumnus (1965-69) who made a living through art and travel. Most notably remembered for his charisma, sense of humor, and for passion of art; Steve was well liked by all.

Steve moved to Alaska upon graduation and began drawing as a hobby. Over the next ten years, he continued to explore the west coast and hone his artistic abilities. His art gained popularity during his late 20’s, while living in Fairbanks, AK. His most well-known drawings bare images of local wildlife and Athabascan Indians. Steve tragically died at the age of 34, after moving back to Minnesota.

The Steve Smith Art Scholarship Fund is intended to support current Cathedral art students, as well as, graduating seniors who wish to pursue a post high school art education. The distribution of funds shall be as follows:

“Come, Learn, Do, Give”

Come
One $500 scholarship will be awarded each year to a Cathedral student from grades 9-11, who is actively involved in the Cathedral art program. Active involvement would include being an art student and/or working on an art project for the school. A passion for art and the desire to expand personal artistic ability and knowledge are the primary criteria. The recipient will be notified of the scholarship award prior to the start of the school year.

Learn
One art grant will be awarded each year to the Cathedral art program. The grant shall be used to support the positive growth and development of Cathedral’s art students. Grant size shall be determined based on need and available scholarship funds.

Do
One $500 scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduating senior, who has been actively involved in the Cathedral art program and wishes to pursue an education in art. The scholarship will be awarded at the annual Awards Ceremony in May.

Give
Students who receive a scholarship are encouraged to give back to the fund at some point in their life, so as to benefit future Cathedral art students.

Donations to the Steve Smith Art Scholarship Fund should be made by sending contributions to the Cathedral Development Office:

Cathedral Education Foundation
Steve Smith Art Scholarship
PO Box 1579
St. Cloud, MN 56302

Donations are also welcomed at the Steve Smith Art Showcase and Scholarship Benefit on Saturday, June 30. Please make checks payable to CHS Education Foundation. Indicate in check memo: Steve Smith Art Scholarship

CONTACT(S):

Adam Iten - Steve's nephew

adam@smittyart.com

Dolly Wiesner - Steve's mother

Sue Iten - Steve's sister

Teresa Asleson - Steve's sister

Tom Smith - Steve's brother

Carol Oltz - Steve's sister

Postcard in the Mail

The invitations are being printed this week and will be sent out soon. It's time to spread the good word!


Also, the Steve Smith Art Scholarship Fund is near completion and will be posted on this site. The fund will provide two $500 scholarships each year to current and graduating Cathedral art students, as well as, one grant (funds permitting) to the Cathedral art program. All contributions are greatly appreciated.

First time release of a family favorite:
Rumor has it that prints of "The Flat Iron" will be for sale (well, donation actually) at the art show. All proceeds will go directly to the Steve Smith Art Scholarship Fund.

Please contact me know if you have any pieces to contribute (adam@smittyart.com).

Here They Come...

Huge thanks to Jeff Jennings!

The first of many from Steve's friends...



Title: The Jenning's #1
Owner: Jeff and Kathy Jennings
Received from: Jeff Jennings
Creation Date(s): Circa 1978
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed...received as a wedding gift from Steve





Title: The Jenning's #2
Owner: Jeff and Kathy Jennings
Received from: Jeff Jennings
Creation Date(s): Circa 1978
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed...still on the backing Steve used when he
drew...one of two known nudes


If you have originals or pieces not displayed on this site, please contact me (Adam) at adam@smittyart.com. I've received several emails and calls so far...and look forward to hearing more stories and seeing more pieces. Thank you to those who've shared thus far!

Lastly, my family and I will be discussing the final details of the Steve Smith Art Scholarship over the holidays. In Steve's honor, we look forward to giving back to Cathedral HS and its art students.

Timid Boy

Title: Timid Boy
Owner: Grandma
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed...appears to be from the Athabascan Indian group. This is the piece that inspired me to pursue this project. Note the missing shoe laces.

Gone Fishin'

Title: Gone Fishin'
Owner: Grandma
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1965
Original: Yes
Medium: Chalk
Framed: Yes
Notes: Signed "Steve '65"...originally owned by my Great Grandma Kron (Steve's grandma)...now by Grandma W. This is a chalk drawing done when Steve was in his early teens (an estimate from Grandma W).

Accordion Man and Girl

Title: Accordion Man and Girl
Owner: Carol
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Colored ink
Framed: Yes
Notes: Signed...date unknown

This Is Getting Good

I want to comment briefly on the art I see coming in...and as you will see by examining the latest works added. Steve's art appears to have purpose...some pieces contain relics of St. Cloud and the places he traveled. I'm excited to see what else exists!

I now have most of the family stuff...and am ready to accept submissions from distant relatives and friends. If you have a piece, please take a digital picture and send to Adam Iten (aaiten1@yahoo.com - contact me if you need help). Any information pertaining to the piece would be equally appreciated.

Oh...the date and place of the showing has been determined...

Place: O'Hara's Brew Pub and Restaurant (one of Steve's favorite hangouts)
Date: June 30th, 2007 (Saturday before July 4th)

EVERYONE is invited...especially family and friends of Steve! My entire family looks forward to spending the day with you and celebrating Steve's life. Please bring your Smitty stories to share...and artworks to display. Start spreading the word!

Finally, the Steve Smith Art Scholarship will be created for graduating seniors from Cathedral High School (Steve graduated from CHS in '69), who wish to pursue art as a career. More details to come...


Thank you and stay tuned...

Adam

Prairie Castles

Title: Prairie Castles
Owner: Grandma
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Paint (oil?)
Framed: Canvas
Notes: B/W...signed...does anyone know if/where the image in this piece exists?

Male vs Female - Unfinished

Title: Male vs Female - Unfinished
Owner: Carol
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...unsigned...appears to be from the Athabascan Indian group. Not sure if the subject is a male or female?

Sled Dogs - Unfinished

Title: Sled Dogs - Unfinished
Owner: Dawn
Received from: Joan
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...unsigned

Curious Little Girls

Title: ?
Owner: Tom
Received from: Joan
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Colored pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: Color...signed

Ballerina

Title: Ballerina
Owner: Dawn
Received from: Joan
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Paint
Framed: Yes
Notes: color...signed

Bandana Man

Full Image

Outstanding detail

Title: ?
Owner: Teresa
Received from: Teresa
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (11/500)

Welcome Home

Title: Welcome Home
Owner: Teresa
Received from: Teresa
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (18/500)

Tall Man

Title: ?
Owner: Mom and Dad Iten
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed

The Grand Canyon

Title: The Grand Canyon
Owner: Mom and Dad Iten
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): High school (1966-69)
Original: Yes
Medium: Oils?
Framed: No
Notes: Color...not signed...on canvas...this Grand Canyon image was created during Steve's high school years (Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, MN). He actually attended art class at nearby Tech High School because Cathedral didn't have an art program at the time.

Weathered Man

Full Image

Note: missing shoe laces

Title: ?
Owner: Mom and Dad
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (5/500)...one of two known pieces where the subject is missing shoe laces

Three Rams

Title: Three Rams
Owner: Mom and Dad Iten
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed by DS (1983)...not numbered...one of many animal prints

Athabascan Indian Mother With Children

Title: Athabascan Indian Mother With Children
Owner: Mom
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (4/500)

Grandma's House - Unfinished

Full Image

Detailed trees and fence w/ Grandma and Ed

Title: Grandma's House - Unfinished
Owner: Adam
Received from: Grandma W (Winter 2002)
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: No - I plan to frame in the future
Notes: B/W...one of two known half finished pieces...cousin Dawn has another with unfinished wolves

Woman In The Window

Title: ?
Owner: Adam
Received from: Grandma W (Winter 2002)
Creation Date(s): ?
Original: Yes
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W with color...signature by Grandma W

The Steve Smith Art Project

Goal: To assemble, display, and assimilate the art works and stories of Steve Smith.