Gilbert Young: How Art Opened 5,000 Doors
Posted by myideas1 on November 9th, 2008
Gilbert Young, the world-renowned artist, is a friend of mine. While at lunch one afternoon, he shared an interesting story about his childhood. Gilbert told me that when he was in elementary school, a teacher labeled him as a slow learner; he was then placed in their Special Education Program.
When Gilbert was in the sixth grade, another teacher came along who really believed in him and discovered he had artistic abilities. This teacher encouraged Gilbert’s mother to enroll him in a program that was free to the public at the local art academy. Shorty after being enrolled in this program, he had immediate success.
Gilbert attended a vocational high school and upon his graduation, he had won an astounding forty-seven Key Awards in the arts. He also received a full scholarship to the Cincinnati Art Academy. Gilbert started competing and exhibiting in art shows at the age of nineteen. In the U.S. Army, he served as the battalion’s artist.
Years later, this so-called slow learner impressed his family and friends when he became the curator of the University of Cincinnati Fine Arts Collection – a multi-million dollar collection.
Gilbert Young’s famous painting, “He Ain’t Heavy” has sold nearly one million prints and his art has been featured in more than 5,000 galleries around the world.
I believe we’re all born with a measure of greatness and unless we get the encouragement we need, and be willing to take risks, we may never reach our full potential.
- Spark Plug
November 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Great article that is definitely motivation to all. Very well written!
November 9th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
That is a wonderful, inspirational story. I hope that some day, our educational system will recognize the difference between right and left brain learning and adjust accordingly, instead of labeling “gifted and talented” or “remedial.”
November 9th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Very inspirational, and a great story!
November 9th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
…and the conclusion is powerful. Thanks for sharing
November 10th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Thanks for sharing!
November 10th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Thank you for sharing this great, inspirational story!
November 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Delightful story. We all know the painting but I am betting that few of us knew the back tale. We all have our gifts and should be encouraged to grow them.
alicia http://todaystyle.today.com/
November 10th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Thankfully, he was saved from that teacher’s opinion. How many kids are destined to mediocrity only because they don’t fit into a mold. It is a shame. His artwork is amazing.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I believe a disproportionate number of African American children are labeled ’slow’ or ’slow learners’ when they may just learn differently. I also find artistic people (artists, musicians) learn better with visuals and hands on experience. IMO there really is no one specific way to learn and the labels are not accurate.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:32 am
What an inspiring story! I’d love to see more of his work.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Great post, inspiring…thanks for sharing.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Thanks for all of your wonderful comments! I’ll make sure Gilbert reads them.
January 6th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hi, I met Gilbert Young a few years ago and have been trying to find the print he did with the man comin’ out of the water faced down as if he is extremely tired. I think it is called The Journey. Where can I purchase this? I have 3 prints of Mr. Youngs and am looking to complete my collection. Can you help?