About my show

I met Julius Friedman over 50 years ago, the fall of 1969. At that time when my future was uncertain, chronically broke, and the US government increasingly determined to draft me into the Army so they could send me to Vietnam, Julius was always a joy and a welcome relief. Our sense of humor meshed and the laughter flowed like water.

I rarely saw Julius after that because I came home infrequently, and only briefly at that. In 1980 I returned to Louisville for good and would see Julius occasionally. However, over the past 15 years or so I had started to produce and exhibit my art work and our friendship blossomed. We’d meet almost weekly for lunch and a walk, often discussing art and the business of art (a favorite topic for both of us). Julius was always encouraging and supportive of my work.

One day at the Fish House where we frequently would meet, I told him I’d like to be “one of those velvet painting guys selling images of Elvis in front of the Mid-City Mall. Julius looked at me and said, “that’s a great idea but you need a new name.” He smiled and said, “you can’t be Tad DeSanto, you gotta be Bad deSoto.”

A few months later I set up my paintings next to the Twig & Leaf restaurant at Douglass Loop. I painted a paper bag, cut out some “eye holes”, and assumed my “Bad deSoto” persona. It was a beautiful day in May. A few minutes after setting up Julius came striding towards me with a big grin on his face. “Bad deSoto!”, he shouted and gave me a big hug. I sold three paintings that day.

I will always keep Julius’ love and laughter shining bright in my heart.

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