GUIDRY’S TREASURE

“Guidry’s Treasure” By Nick Ringelstetter

You could stare at Guidry’s Treasure for hours and find a new thing in every moment, but what you won’t find on the canvas is the beautiful backstory of this inspiringly chaotic piece.

This painting is a tribute to a young, budding artist that has admired Nick’s work for years. Guidry Ridge is a member of Nick’s hometown and has been infatuated with Nick’s art for as long as he can remember. Guidry often finds inspiration in Nick’s pieces, and that was certainly the case when Guidry and his brother signed up for a workshop put on by other locals to encourage young painters. Each member would create their own six by six painting, and it would be displayed at the Art Out of the Closet annual fundraiser for the Spring Green Area Arts Coalition.

Paula Washow ran the event, and remembers Guidry’s reluctance to finish his piece until he was encouraged and told that his work reminded Washow of Nick’s paintings. With this gentle pat on the back, Guidry finished his canvas and it was displayed at the Art Out of the Closet event, where Nick himself discovered it.

Nick immediately wanted to own the painting as it reminded him of his own work at that age. Over a Bloody Mary, negotiations ensure, as Washow was the current owner of the piece. Nick offered up the paintings that he had brought to the Art Fair that year and Washow took her pick in exchange for Guidry’s canvas.

Feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to inspire another artist, Nick went on to create Guidry’s Treasure and finished it in time for the next Art Fair so that he could give Guidry a print when he and his family made their annual trip to Nick’s booth.

This piece serves a gentle reminder that you should never give up on your passions, as you never know who might be watching, and the every piece of art has value to someone.