Photos courtesy of Barry Phillips and myself
Down the ramp in the original Ringling Bros. Elephant Barn there were coffee, donuts and more archival Clown College photos than had ever been assembled in one place ever before.
Sam Drummond and Cowboy Mike Keever also had their artwork for sale.
Against one wall (as can be seen in the background) were several original Clown College props
as well as road props from Greg DeSanto's personal collection.
Also on display were graduation photos of each of the 30 classes as well as an incredible collection of
70s era photographs on special loan from the International Clown Hall of Fame.
A special display honoring Clown College propmasters George Shellenberger and Ivan Saxby.
Greg and Kren DeSanto at the opening kick off, keepin' it real and keepin' it simple.
Ms. Sarah Chapman, wife of Clown College class of 1968 instructor Danny Chapman, spoke of Danny
and that first Clown College class in a lyrical, captivating style that held the audience spellbound...
none more so than my friend, Andrew Scharff.
When was the last time that history lessons were so much FUN? I could have listened to Sarah Chapman and Coco talk for days! I know you've heard more of his stories and I hope you'll be able to share some of them with us some time! Thanks again for everything you did to help make this such a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime event!
ReplyDeleteBarry
Pat,
ReplyDeleteWhat a memorable occasion this must have been. Wow!!! I didn't realize Sam Drummond was artistic. I wonder if he remembers the time he went in to a leather clothing store down the street from the Cow Palace, between shows with his makeup on, and the Indian proprietor almost sounded the silent alarm to alert SF's finest that a robbery was in progress. LOL
Wade Burck