In mid-November 2001, when the world was still reeling from the events of 9/11, I was at a New Deal Café board meeting along with Michael “Mike” McMullin, who was then organizing the art shows for the Café. The meeting was long, and Mike was fidgeting with a piece of paper, which happened to be the list of artists who were scheduled to show their art. I asked to see the list, and immediately I saw that an art show by Paul Downs was scheduled to begin in two weeks. Downs had not mentioned anything to me about the art show. I only knew of one piece of art he had been working on in recent months.
Following the meeting, I asked Downs, “Did you know you have an art show in two weeks?” His response was “I do? Really? I guess I should make some art!” And so it began. Downs worked steadily for those two weeks and amazingly had enough to cover the walls of the front room. This is when he began the approach for which he has become so well known, “the wall-hung stick sculptures.” Prior to this he had made primarily intricate sculptures of little cabins and shadow boxes. The new idea of sculptures that hang on the wall was a breathtaking approach which brought the viewer deeply into his images. His images, which often depict a peaceful connection between humans and nature, were a much-needed tonic during those post 9/11 days.
He and I installed the show not even thinking about prices. I recall one evening when a friend of ours, Vassily (who worked at the Café) sat down with us and he said “Paul, I would like to buy one of your pieces.” Downs said “Oh really, which one?” Vassily responded, “I would like to buy that one,” pointing to one in front of him. Downs said, “That would be great, Vassily, how much would you like to pay for it?” Vassily named his price and the deal was made, Downs’ first art sale at the Café. This was early in the show, likely the first week. We began putting up prices for his pieces and people began buying them. By the end of the first month, he had sold all of his pieces and he was asked to extend his show another month. He created an entirely new show and all of the first show pieces went home to their new owners. To the amazement of all, all of the pieces sold. Since that time Downs has had art shows at the Café regularly about every two years.
Similar to and different from 2001, this year’s show, Bridges, comes at a time of great transition for the world. Transitions can be challenging, but Downs’ art tends to express joy and peace and a feeling of connection to the world, especially the natural world. This show bridges the past 20 years in its ability to bring peace and joy at a time when it is very much needed. Downs is looking forward to introducing Greenbelters to his world through the windows of the Café. Downs is the resident artist at the Café for the months of December, January and February. His artwork will be visible from the windows so that people can see his work even though the Café itself is not open. The show opened December 8 and the reception will be virtual on Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. To attend the virtual reception, send an email to NewDealCafeArt@gmail.com.