Tonight we celebrated the 98th birthday of an amazing man, Charles Campbell. I feel so honored to have worked for him for 9+ years. Thank you to Jim Pennuto who convinced me that this was an offer I should NOT refuse! When I started working at Campbell-Thiebaud Gallery in 1992, Charlie was 77. That seemed old to still be showing up for work every day. Amazingly, I ended up quitting before Charlie did!
Every aspect of his life is a marvel. He was in Siberia with his parents when the revolution happened. He was in Shanghai and went to an international school there while his parents had a concession (something mining related, I believe). He was in the Coast Guard, and had some post where he typed a lot - you should see this man's typing posture - it's unparalleled. Then he came to SF and managed a jazz band in the 40's. Then he owned a frame shop across from the SF Art Institute in the 50's and met all the Bay Area figurative and Ab-Ex biggies. Diebenkorn, Bischoff, Wonner, WT Brown, Joan Brown, Thiebaud, and on and on. Then he started his own gallery. Then in 1990 he partnered with Paul Thiebaud. And Charlie never stopped. He never stopped reading, traveling, appreciating art, people, wine, music, dancing, collecting.
This evening he threw a birthday party at Bimbo's and invited all his friends. His former traditional jazz band crew, the Yerba Buena Stompers reunited and played and recorded their show for Charles. His wife Glenna (she's in her late 80's), ever sharp of mind and opinion, was there. She's battling a bit of aphasia and tired out towards the end, but not Charlie, he danced and clapped and held court till the band wound down. C came to the party with M and me, and we all danced. I was lucky enough to have a dance with Charles. He can hardly see, due to macular degeneration, but he can dance and knew every beat, twist and punch of each song. During our dance, he kicked out his foot behind him and to the side and kicked me in the butt. Again, I am honored.
Every aspect of his life is a marvel. He was in Siberia with his parents when the revolution happened. He was in Shanghai and went to an international school there while his parents had a concession (something mining related, I believe). He was in the Coast Guard, and had some post where he typed a lot - you should see this man's typing posture - it's unparalleled. Then he came to SF and managed a jazz band in the 40's. Then he owned a frame shop across from the SF Art Institute in the 50's and met all the Bay Area figurative and Ab-Ex biggies. Diebenkorn, Bischoff, Wonner, WT Brown, Joan Brown, Thiebaud, and on and on. Then he started his own gallery. Then in 1990 he partnered with Paul Thiebaud. And Charlie never stopped. He never stopped reading, traveling, appreciating art, people, wine, music, dancing, collecting.
This evening he threw a birthday party at Bimbo's and invited all his friends. His former traditional jazz band crew, the Yerba Buena Stompers reunited and played and recorded their show for Charles. His wife Glenna (she's in her late 80's), ever sharp of mind and opinion, was there. She's battling a bit of aphasia and tired out towards the end, but not Charlie, he danced and clapped and held court till the band wound down. C came to the party with M and me, and we all danced. I was lucky enough to have a dance with Charles. He can hardly see, due to macular degeneration, but he can dance and knew every beat, twist and punch of each song. During our dance, he kicked out his foot behind him and to the side and kicked me in the butt. Again, I am honored.
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