Send Pascal to Chicago!

One of Pascal's "Flat" Magnets

I was recently blown away while waiting for my iced vanilla latte at the wonderful Pablo's Coffee on 6th & Washington - the best coffee in Denver, if you ask me. Like many coffee shops nowadays, art and other eye catching decorations adorn Pablo's walls for customers to look at while waiting for their drinks (a much better option than staring at your smartphone). This time though, it wasn't the typical local artisans trying to sell their work but rather, a 5 year old boy named Pascal trying to make his way to Chicago.

Pascal's story tells viewers of his trips to the Denver Art Museum, and how one show in particular led him to Nick Cave, well known American sculptor, dancer, and performance artist. Nick Cave's exhibition Sojourn, which was on view at DAM this past summer, exhibited Cave's new body of work called Rescues, his much anticipated and previously unseen Soundsuits,

Example of one of Nick Cave's Soundsuits

along with several performance pieces shown via video projection and live performances the artist was while on location. There is no question that the highlight was seeing Cave's installations of his new Soundsuits, wearable fabric sculptors that he has been making for over 20 years. They are vibrant pieces, full of color, movement and imagination. Nick Cave's work has a way of creeping through the cracks of our minds and bodies that is both unforgettable and awe inspiring, sending us on a journey out of this world. 

 
 
Cave's work is loved and admired by many people, adults and kids alike. Still, I never thought it would become a five year old's dream to go in search of the artist himself, "to dream of a trip to go to Chicago to see Nick Cave's studio," as Pascal says. The colored construction paper lining two walls of Pablo's southwest corner displays pictures and snippets of Pascal's own drawings, paintings, hand-made magnets, wearable buttons, and his own version of Soundsuits. He even had a Soundsuit birthday party (where was my invite?!). You may be wondering, how Pascal is going to get to Chicago and achieve his dream? By selling his buttons and magnets to raise money for the Midwest treck - not only is he an aspiring artist but shows the promise of a businessman! He's selling his "flat" and "fancy" magnets for $2 and $5 a pop, the buttons go for $5. 

As touching as this was, seeing this incredible boy and the way Nick Cave had inspired him, how could I not be inspired in turn? I grabbed a magnet and marched right to the counter to pay for my flat and fancy magnets, leaving the change as donation. With all the excitement, I almost forgot about my latte waiting for me on the counter... almost. 

Help get Pascal to Chicago by buying your own button or magnet, or simply leave a donation. It's a small amount with a big impact. And hey, you might just be buying one of the first original works by a future great American artist.