Nearly 30 years after the death of artist Eddie York, DK Treasures owner Debbie Speegle was greeted by a familiar face: Ali Joseph, owner of the now-closed Mugshots bar. He brought with him boxes and artworks—including busts of famous celebrities. They were the remaining accoutrements of the life of Edward E. York, “Eddie.” These artworks and artifacts will be on view for three days during a public showing and sale at Lighthouse Landing Hall, Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23.
The mystery of York
It’s unlikely that those with memories of the late artist’s work include any moments with York. His life and legacy lived in his art that was peppered throughout Toledo: Large, sculptural busts, reproductions and paintings of the bars York occupied, such as Andre’s Lounge and the Angry Sea. A reproduction of a 1918 WWI bi-plane hung at the Toledo Zoo.
York only considered a few people, including Joseph, to be a friend. Being kind, York was brilliant, but fragile. Speaking broadly, he was “a character.” If you are being rude, he was an unpredictable bum. If you are being honest, he was a troubled visionary.
York was a WWII veteran and suffered from paranoia, post-traumatic stress disorder, deep depression, and was prone to violent outbursts. After the war, he came to Toledo and studied at the Laingor Art Studio and School, but was unable to find a job after graduation in 1950. He resigned himself and worked Union jobs, but had a hard time keeping them due to erratic behavior.
He sought solace the same way that many dejected do—with to a bottle. With a heavy heart, York began working on commissioned artworks in exchange for a housing, or food.
The artist lived off of two Mounds bars a day, scraps of bread and the modest pay of bar owners in exchange for art. Though he stopped drinking, he was still physically damaged from the impact.
A lost soul
By the time he met Joseph in the late 70s, York had been through different bars and projects, moving about every eight months. He was malnourished, mentally unstable and in pain.
Joseph said he felt that York was one of God’s lost souls, and his art was a gift to make the world better. Eventually, the artist took an interest in Joseph and began to make art for the Angry Sea. Joseph made sure that York had food and clean clothes. York thanked him for his kindness with daily visits before the bar would open, and a prolific production of art for the bar.
When he died in 1986, Joseph paid for York to be honored in a full military funeral. He was buried with four Bronze Stars, The American Defense Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Eddie York’s primary method of communication was his art. Not comfortable with most people, he spoke through his work. Though many knew his art, including President Truman— who was given a set of Eddy’s coins in 1964—, few knew the man behind the production. This exhibition of his works is one of the only chances to fill in the space between the art and the artist.
10am-8pm, Friday March 20. 10am-4pm, Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22. $2 entry, partial proceeds to Remembrance Inc.Lighthouse Landing Hall, 4441 N. Summit St. 419-214-0331. [email protected]
