Engraved Acrylic Awards

Heart of the Treasure Valley: Bob Auth was an uncompromising artist

Bob died on May 12, 2011.

During a May 7 interview, he said, “I’ve lost the purpose of my life,” as Lou Gehrig’s disease took away his ability to create art. The book became his whole focus.

Bob had been writing stories on and off since 1953, so the idea of a book was not new. But the time had come — with urgency. He and Nick Collias (author of “John Collias: Round About the Boise Valley”) crammed the work of years into five months in an attempt to fulfill that dream.

Bob said: “I’m thankful (the illness came) when it did, at the end of most people’s lives. It could have come earlier.

“When this book is done, I want to be comfortable for as long as possible. Then lock the door.”He smiled.

Bob didn’t live to see the published work, but Nick was able to show him a complete version of the manuscript and note Bob’s changes.

To the many friends who wrote during his illness, Bob would send a dictated form letter in reply:

“Francie’s Camera” is my attempt to leave a legacy, something that others will peruse and perhaps enjoy, and, maybe, shed a little more light on a character you’ve know, who live has been enhanced for knowing you. Please ... PLEASE ... keep in touch.”

“Francie’s Camera: Art and Stories of Robert Auth” will be published in late summer. Contact Tony Kojis at tkojis@msn.com or 208-376-2256 or visit Bob Auth’s website.

Editor’s note: This column was originally scheduled to be published on May 22.

H e’s had his own retrospective at the Boise Art Museum, and his illustrated envelopes reside in the Smithsonian’s Postal Museum. Yellow Pine will forever be known for the harmonica festival he instigated; travelers know of him if they’ve seen the biplane that used to hang in the Boise airport, and those who recognize the Boise School District logo know his work.

Cincinnati Magazine

Cincinnati Magazine

Cincinnati Magazine

Regional industrial buying guide, Greater Michigan

Lighting design & application, LD & A.