Hoodlums, Thieves and Dead People & Other Events Opens Aug. 4

Ming Toy Gallery is pleased to host a two-month exhibition by Michael Trenhaile. "Hoodlums, Thieves and Dead People & Other Events" opens Aug. 4 and runs through Sept. 30, 2023. The opening reception is Friday, Aug. 4, from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

About the artist:
Michael suffered a debilitating stroke in 2015, and the process of drawing helped him recover. He tells his story below, and continues to suffer from right side paralysis and aphasia. Michael's originals will be displayed, and the gallery will be selling copies of his work.

Below is the artist in his own words:
I’m Michael Trenhaile, a songster and artist. But back in the day, I was a songster and a poet – never an artist.

On New Year’s Eve in 2015, I had a stroke that nearly killed me. I was in and out of a coma for 13 days. Then I snapped out of it. But I couldn’t talk. My right side was disabled, and I was in the hospital.

At the time, my friends from this songster scene came in and helped me. But it was Ashley, my dear friend, who gave me a pen to write with. I couldn’t write yet, but I could draw. And that was the ticket.

At first, I drew to help my kids, my friend and Ashley.

Two years went by. I can’t explain the pain and sorrow but also the hope and faith I found each day. And my art was getting better.

Then I drew “The Sisters,” and my art started to shine. People started noticing. I spent time in Benson while the kids were at school and started drawing all the time.

Then I drew “Bonnie and Clyde: Alive.” As soon as it was done, I thought I needed to have Bonnie and Clyde: Dead. So I drew them. I went back to the 1920s and started doing “ alive and dead” mugshots, then worked my way through the 1960s.

Ming Toy Gallery is open Wednesday and Friday from noon to 5:00pm, Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm + by appointment (call or text 402.681.1901).