Sunday, March 1, 2015

A tribute and eulogy

On Tuesday, we lost Allen Barnes (or House as some called him). I literally met him on the dance floor. Spinning and rocking out to some of the best house music that any school party had to offer. Songs that literally spoke to his spirit and his heart, because he danced until the party ended and the dance floor was empty.

Then I caught a glimpse of his art work. He was accepted to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best art schools in the country. But he found a home at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. There he spent nearly every summer between the semesters with his crazy and funny roommates and friends. His family who soon became an extension to my family. And that love and loyalty that still exists is indescribable.

When we met I loved and encouraged his art. And he encouraged and supported me as a burgeoning artist. I helped him organize his first art showing and he helped me join my first band and applauded my first of many auditions. We always thought that business ideas were good ones and should be tried and not simply talked about. His art hung in the house that shared and his sketches are in a few homes. Even after we stopped dating and living together, our friendship never ended.  And he never stopped understanding the struggle that all artists share. His designs were on clothes, flyers, animated stories about Englewood, web pages, and more.

He was someone who was constantly told that he couldn't or shouldn't and he always surpassed those obstacles and built a business for a himself that allowed him to take care of himself and be an amazing provider for his two girls. He will always be with them as they continue to grow and develop in their hearts, spirits and in each decision they make.

When you sat in his office you not only laughed, but wisdom was shared too. His life is an example for all of us to live out our dreams, never forget where you come from, and always keep your friends and family close. He used to always say that "The person who smiles the most is at times very sad." And in those quiet moments that sometimes shined through behind the humor and joy. Because he was human, which is why he was such a good friend to so many different personalities and individuals.

So each time I listen to Barry White, James Brown, Truffle, Womack and Womack, and the O'Jays I see his smiling face dancing in heaven. I see him creating new art in heaven that will inspire new artists who have not been born yet. Farewell friend! See you on the other side.