Trail to a Fiery End is a painting by Jerry Bokowski which was uploaded on June 30th, 2016.
Trail to a Fiery End
In the year 1976, Famous Tucson Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia found out that the IRS intended to levy an inheritance tax on all of his paintings that... more
Original - Not For Sale
Price
Not Specified
Dimensions
20.000 x 16.000 x 1.000 inches
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Title
Trail to a Fiery End
Artist
Jerry Bokowski
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Canvas
Description
In the year 1976, Famous Tucson Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia found out that the IRS intended to levy an inheritance tax on all of his paintings that his family would inherit. He couldn't fathom his family having to pay a huge amount of tax on the legacy he left them. This especially frustrated him due to the fact that when he donated his paintings all he could deduct off his income was the cost of paint, canvas, and frame. How is this fair he must have thought.
So in protest, he packed up 100 of his original paintings and organized a horseback ride to his beloved Superstition Mountains. This painting was done from an old low def black and white photo that documented his ride. He is near to his destination of Angel Springs with towering Weaver's Needle in the background.
Among the group were local media photographers to document his IRS protest. DeGrazia burned all 100 paintings valued at 1.5 million dollars. He called it a CREAMATION. He lit the fire with his cigar, one by one placed them in the fire. He reportedly said that he sipped some scotch and cried at times. Later he turned his gallery into a non profit organization.
I met Ted DeGrazia as a little boy. He was always so nice to me as my grandmother used to take me to his Gallery in the Sun. He also used to shop for groceries at Food Giant Market just down the street at the corner of Swan and Skyline Roads. My father was the manager of that store and would often talk with Ted. I have the utmost respect for what Ted DeGrazia accomplished, his Gallery in the Sun Legacy, and how very kind and encouraging he was to me. I have 1962 photos of him and my grandmother in my Portraits Gallery that my grandfather took. I invite you to see them.
All information was obtained from on line articles from local news media, Wikipedia, and the Gallery in the Sun website.
This painting has been donated to the DeGrazia Foundation at the historic Gallery in the Sun.
Trail to a Fiery End © 2021 Jerry Bokowski Fine Art, all rights reserved.
Uploaded
June 30th, 2016
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Comments (35)
Chance Kafka
Revisiting this wonderful piece. You really painted the indication of a hot summer day well! love reading the story behind it again
Jerry Bokowski replied:
Ted DeGrazia was a great marketer of his work, Chance. Legend has it that even a shattered pot that he made could fetch more money if sold piece by piece! Anyway, I admired and respected his success and never giving up!
Chance Kafka
Beautiful painting, and amazing story. My grandparents are huge DeGrazia fans, and I have many a Christmas/birthday card with his lovely work on them - but I never heard this story. Very interesting man.
Jerry Bokowski replied:
I invite you to check out his portrait photos in my Portrait Collection. His rustic Gallery in the Sun on north Swan Road also provides many photo opportunities. Thanks Chance!
Eva Maria Nova
~ I hope there will be enough time to visit DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun next time I'm there, dear Jerry ))) Such a powerful story his Life was and tells,.... worth of so much Appreciation and Admiration ))) Amazing piece of Art my Dear One ))) Re~L & F ))) ~
Jerry Bokowski replied:
If you do come again, we will go to the Gallery of the Sun and present this to them...if they are not interested, it is yours! Thank you so much, Eva...for everything. Words are not to be found of how much I have come to appreciate all your support and interest in my art!
Pavitha Ashwin
Very interesting write up ..I love all your descriptions...A very beautiful painting..l/f
Jerry Bokowski replied:
Thank you so much, Pavitha. I really appreciate you taking your time to read my description to this as it completes the story my painting starts!
Missy T
Love this one a lot. The descriptions that you give of your paintings are quite amazing you really learn a lot about you as an artist the location and history and what inspired you to Capture!!:))
Nancy Griswold
This is so interesting, especially since I have a book my De Grazia. love this art too Fav Going to tell you the tale via email Jerry
Malanda Warner
Such an incredible story, but on the lighter side, it certainly was a great source of inspiration for you to create this very fine work of art! I love this piece, it takes me back to watching westerns with my father whom passed away when I was young. LF
Jerry Bokowski replied:
Thank you so much, Malanda. There is nothing quite like a daughter's love for her father. I treasure my only daughter's company and love!
Marvin Spates
Wow what a fascinating story Jerry!! Very sad and touching!! I much say that your painting of that awesome ride is a master piece of amazing work!!! L/F
Rosemary Colyer
Thank you for sharing this moving history of another great artist, Ted De Grazia. Your beautiful painting is a wonderful tribute.
Hanne Lore Koehler
Magnificent painting and wonderful tribute to Ted DeGrazia, Jerry! What a touching story! I'm sure he would appreciate your beautiful painting of his sad journey. L/F
Dave Farrow
What a fantastic tribute to Ted DeGrazia Your talent truly shines in this painting Jerry. Your in depth description is simply incredible. The loss of those 100 paintings is unfathomable. l.v.f. I truly love this sweet painting. (please don`t burn it)
Elizabeth Mundaden
Such a sunny photo. Almost feel the desert heat ! Lovely
Jerry Bokowski replied:
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. Yes it can be very hot in the desert during the month of May when this event took place!
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