art beat / By Bob Doran

Hobart Brown RIP

Of course for a Kinetic Queen, the race is Hobart’s primary legacy. “It’s about fun, freedom, ingenuity, creativity, everybody bringing what they have to the party,” said Queen Emma, “but also about forwarding human-powered technology, educating kids, and, really, making the world a better place.”

As to those already famous last words, said Queen Emma, “Who knows if it’s true? But it would be just like him.” Then again, facts may get in the way of legend, said Nancy Courtemanche, a longtime friend of Hobart who serves as a volunteer chaplain at Redwood Memorial. “I’ve heard that those were his last words, but the truth is, Hobart was unconscious and didn’t speak after Monday, and he died at 1:15 in the morning Wednesday,” she said. “The only ones there when he died were me and the nurse. But I’m sure he would love it that people think those were his last words.”

And if people can’t agree as to whether that was what he said or not, that too would be just fine in Hobart’s world. “He loved the controversy,” said Courtemanche. “I remember he told my husband and me one time, ‚ÄòIt doesn’t matter what they’re saying as long as they’re talking about me.’”

Talking about the Glorious Founder is part of the plan for the “Celebration of Life” for Hobart Brown scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17, at 5:17 p.m. (two minutes after his gallery’s closing time) at the Ferndale Pavilion, aka Fireman’s Hall, at 100 S. Berding St. in Ferndale.

The first portion of the event, with Courtemanche officiating, will be a time to share stories about Hobart. A silent candlelight walk commences at 7:17 p.m. with attendees proceeding to Hobart Galleries at 393 Main Street for a short ceremony. A New Orleans-style second line parade follows with the Royal Kinetic Madness Band bringing the madness back to the pavilion for potluck festivities. Attendees are asked to dress in Kinetic regalia (or any costume) to honor the fun-loving nature of the Race and its Glorious Founder. For further details contact Shaye Harty of Kinetic Universe at 499-0643 or rutabagaqueen@gmail.com.

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