I was very pleased and honored to be invited this summer to exhibit a sculpture at A Salute to Big Joe, a memorial exhibit for Joseph Tiberino, at Danny Simmons’ brand new gallery Rush Arts Philadelphia.  I created this portrait to honor my friend, mentor and neighbor who passed away at the beginning of the year.  The wood is Aesculus hippocastanum, or European Horse Chestnut, from a tree that grew on Hamilton Street, a few blocks from Joe’s home for the last several decades.  Hanging the show, Opening Night, time spent with the other artists, and bringing family to see the show were all quite memorable occasions.  The show was a beautiful, well attended and fitting tribute to the Man, the Patriarch and the Artist, Joseph Tiberino.  He is dearly missed by all who knew him.