Martin Read along with JN Long Cultural Arts Complex will celebrate Sleepy’s life and talent August 1 - 31, 2019 with an art show and sale. Delbert “Sleepy” Read, who passed in November of 2018 at the age of 96, was an iconic character and probably the best known artist from Johnson County. His work can be found in any number of homes, banks, doctors and attorney’s offices.
An opening reception for the Sleepy Read Art Show and Sale will be held on Saturday, August 3rd starting at 1:00 pm in the cafeteria at JN Long Cultural Arts Complex on 425 Granbury Street in Cleburne. Sleepy's son Martin Read will talk about his father’s legacy and light refreshments will be served. A virtual show will be available in the cafeteria during the reception for those unable to climb the stairs of the main building and view the show.
Original artwork will be on loan from various collectors, along with many pieces Sleepy ‘collected’ himself over the years. This is an opportunity to both enjoy his sometimes eclectic work, alongside his well known bluebonnet paintings, and to purchase a piece or two.
(Excerpt from Cleburne Times Review, Nov. 16, 2018)
Former Cleburne ISD Marti Elementary School Principal Sharon Urban, while she was principal of CISD’s J.N. Long Kindergarten Campus, asked Sleepy to paint a mural in the school’s main hallway. “He allowed every student to help with each contributing a brush stroke to what he was creating,” Urban said. “He was so patient to let 5-year-olds help with that mural. He was a very kind person, as well as very talented.” The August show will take place in part in this very hallway.
JN Long is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The show will be located on the 2nd floor of the main building. A virtual show will be available in the cafeteria for those unable to climb the stairs of the main building and view the show. For further information contact us at 817-641-4908 or email cleburnefca@gmail.com.