Send in the Clowns

This is drawing on linen is by famed actor and comedian Richard Red Skelton (July 18, 1913 – September 17, 1997). Skelton began performing at the age of 10 in a traveling medicine show and over an entertainment career of some 70 years, Skelton was featured on stage, screen, and radio. He is probably best known for his variety television show, The Red Skelton Show, which premiered in 1951. The following year Skelton introduced one of his most beloved and recognized characters, "Freddie the Freeloader," an easy-going and gentle hobo clown. In the 1940s, Skelton had begun sketching and painting clowns as a hobby, but it did not publicly exhibit his artwork until 1964, when his wife persuaded him to display his art at the Las Vegas Sands Hotel, where he was performing. The exhibit was a success and Skelton began selling his original works, as well as prints and lithographs. 

However, this is no mere print, but an original one-of-a-kind artwork by Skelton. It is also beautifully framed.

The sketch is signed by Skelton and dated 1982.

As an added bonus there is a signed personal note from Skelton on the back with a small drawing of another clown.

It is said that Skelton loved clowns because he felt that they brought needed joy and laughter into the world. This charming and cheerful original artwork certainly should bring joy to its next lucky owner.

All posted items are for sale, but things can sell quickly!

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Iconic

It is not often that beauty and utility can be combined in one object, but this large and lovely  shoulder bag is as artsy as it is useful.  By the Los Angeles company Icon, this fine-quality leather purse has all-season styling, which makes it the perfect year-round accessory, from a carry-on for a summer vacation flight to attending the office holiday party.

Icon entered the fashion scene with a flourish in 1999 by introducing the first of its art-printed leather products, the Andy Warhol Campbell Soup Sneaker.  Icon incorporates classic and contemporary art works on its high-quality fine-fashion leather shoes, handbags, and accessories. Using only licensed art pieces, Icon's products are produced in limited quantities, ranging from 50 to 200 pieces per style.  So purse is both uncommon and collectible.  

This unusual and unique accessory is in excellent condition and comes with its own protective Icon storage bag.  It is truly next to new and it is on offer at Next-to-New for far less than its original retail price!  It is the perfect purchase for a fashion icon.