The Platte Valley lost two legends in the last few years: “Teense” Willford and his larger-than-life personality, and Jerry Palen the world-renowned artist and humorist. Fortunately, the two teamed up together several years ago when Jerry decided to carve a statue of Teense singing and playing guitar.
In 2021, Jerry and Ann Palen and Platte Valley Arts Council’s President, Stacy Crimmins, entered a “wouldn’t it be great if…” kind of conversation while admiring the clay study of Teense that Jerry finished. Unfortunately, Jerry passed away before the conversation could be completed. Then Teense passed away. Later, Ann Palen reached out to Crimmins and finished the conversation, “...the arts council could cast and sell bronze statuettes of Teense as a fundraiser?”
And a few months later, the Platte Valley Arts Council has commissioned a limited-edition run of bronze statuettes and are offering these unique sculptures for sale to admirers and fans of Teense and Jerry.
An artist's proof of the bronzes will be on display for inspection during the “POPPY” Art Quilt Exhibit at the Platte Valley Community Center July 3-5. Pre-orders and payments can be made during the show and through email inquiries until November 2025. Only 30 bronzes will be sold at the price of $2,000. Once payment is received, an order will be placed with the foundry and delivery will be made in about three or four months.
Crimmins noted “This is such a special project for those who knew either Teense or Jerry. And for those of us who knew both men, we cannot miss this opportunity to own this commemorative and beautiful piece that truly captures both the personality of Teense and the talent of Jerry.
The Platte Valley Arts Council will use the sale proceeds for their scholarship program as well as supplemental funding to the Saratoga and Encampment school’s art, music, drama and speech/debate programs.
For more information, please contact Stacy Crimmins at plattevalleyarts@yahoo.com, or by visiting www.plattevalleyarts.com .t Jerry finished. Unfortunately, Jerry passed away before the conversation could be completed. Then Teense passed away. Later, Ann Palen reached out to Crimmins and finished the conversation,
