Weird All Yankevic is known for his onstage antics.
But the folks at Argyle Fine Art know him as just a regular guy.
“It was just like meeting a guy from high school,” says marionette maker Darren Moreash. “So down to earth. We immediately clicked and talked about anything.”
The performer was in Halifax last week for two shows. To coordinate with his visit, Darren Moreash carved eight marionettes, each based on a different Weird Al video character.
Fans have tattooed his face on themselves, but marionettes may be a first for Weird Al. He retweeted Moreash’s photo, but still, no one at Argyle Fine Art expected him to stop by.
“The first time he popped in we didn’t expect him so we were just casual doing our run-of-the-mill stuff,” says gallery owner Adriana Afford.
There are still four marionettes for sale. Some that are signed by Weird Al are going to auction with bidding starting Tuesday.
Afford chose the Youth Art Connection to receive the auction proceeds.
“I just feel that youth are does a lot of really great work,” she says. “And it’s in sync with something Weird Al may enjoy.”
“We are so grateful for this gift,” says Ryan Veltmeyer with the Youth Art Connection. “It’s a huge thing when you’re a charity trying to pay the bill and make ends meet.”
Raising money isn’t Afford’s only goal. She also hopes Weird Al in the store’s window will draw more people inside, into the weird and wonderful world of art.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelly Linehan.
