Description
Provenance:
This work of art was given as a gift directly from Marc Chagall to Mr. Mel Larson of Las Vegas.
Mr. Larson, known as the Man in Pink, was asked by Bill Bennett of Circus Circus to show a visiting artist from France around Las Vegas and the Circus Circus Big Top specifically. It was known that the artist had an interest in the circus and in high wire trapeze acts in particular. The next morning, the artist showed up at the office of Mr. Larson and gave the original drawing as a gift of thanks for his generous time and good natured company.
That artist was Marc Chagall.
Mel Larson (1929 – 2016) was born in Plymouth, Mich. Mel was well known for his marketing expertise as executive vice president of Circus Circus properties for 20 years. He was also known throughout the NASCAR community for racing in his early career days, his drag strip in Phoenix, and was instrumental in the inception of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mel was a professional stock car racer and was a driver in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series from 1955 – 1978.
Art encounter acquired this work of art directly from Mel’s widow, the very charming and vibrant member of the Las Vegas community and active patron of the arts, Marilyn Larson.
This work of art is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
