Mr Kroll comes for a visit

From his whirlwind Miami tour, a new book release, lecture and exhibit, an old buddy of mine comes for a 5 day visit to re-aquaint an old friendship. But there's a catch.

 

 

Arriving by Greyhound with a new book in hand - Eric Kroll, photographer.

 

 

 

And, according to his forwarded bus ticket, he's carrying 75lbs of luggage.

 

 

 

Minutes after, Eric checking and retrieving new messages. Eric always hungry, as we stopped by the nearby, JR's Packinghouse (roadhouse cafe).

 

 

 

Following day, Eric collecting balls of Spanish moss in the backyard.

 

Black History Month,

Our visit with my old friend Jetson Grimes, touring 'Jet's' one-room Greater Newtown Historical Gallery. 

Eric and Frank with some exhibit thoughts.

 

 

'Jet' sharing his story of how he helped organize the early, local Brickhouse "showgirls". Intrigued, Eric always photographing, always collecting.

 

 

Eric sharing his own "black history".

 

On our tour, visiting early examples of local, notable architectural homes. Eric, not shy, standing in the very front of the privately-owned "Umbrella House". (Paul Rudolph, 1953)

 

Eric, aisle for aisle, looking for fresh squeezed Publix orange juice.

 

With many meals over the ensuing 5 days (this particular one, at the Dutch Valley Family Restaurant), Eric called it, "the worst food (meal) that I had ever, ever eaten."  Our mutual heartburn was bad.

 

 

Today, with his latest publication in hand, Eric packed it up, returning home to Arizona. Luggage included a portfolio of prints, books, a laptop and his own personal collection of mis-matched socks.  I'll miss him.

Eric Kroll, The New York Years, 1971 to 1994.

 

 

sidewalks

Two of my buddies found while walking downtown Sarasota.

Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee.  (artwork, Holland King)

 

 

 

John Chamberlain as John the artist.  (artwork, Luther Rosebard)