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i met barton when i was in my teens ... my big brother jerry less ( big brothers/big sisters ) was friends with him and we visited him at his apartment ... sweet howard was still with us then ... in the early nineteen eighties barton hired me to do some art related work for him ... he also mounted some of my work that i still have ... i have been fortunate to know barton and speak with him occasionally ... he was a very dear friend and a teacher to me ... rest in peace ... you will be missed ... never forgotten ... jho ...
A wonderful tribute to a truly unique man. I had the opportunity to visit Barton's incredible apartment and have dinner with him a couple of times. He was really fascinating to be with. I am also honored to own two of his pieces which are proudly displayed in my apartment. I will cherish these forever.
Adieu Barton , toutes les bonnes soirées au Barroux et nos rencontres à Wesbeth resteront comme mes meilleurs souvenirs . heureusement j'ai préservé précieusement tes œuvres de cette époque de notre jeunesse , au revoir mon ami Jc Picard Lb
Barton was a very good friend to my Brother Herbie who died in 1993. I hope they meet again in heaven
A wonderful remembrance of a sly and generous man and a wonderful artist. Thanks, Sean.
The Night I Met Barton Benes is a story many have heard. I will always remember the night you, Barton, Tom Rielly and I went to dinner and then spent an amazing evening drinking in Barton's famous loft. I've always been touched by his generosity of spirit, like when he included my little piece on the Loma Prieta earthquake in his Disaster Piece. I still giggle about rushing to the airport and getting a call from Barton to meet him at some gallery in SOHO to see the show. I careened in a cab to meet him and see my work. On the wall of a SOHO Gallery. Priceless. I just LOVED the show he put on fawning over me and the looks on the faces of all the patrons in the gallery, like I was the next Basquiat. Really one of the top ten moments of my life. Thank you Sean for making the connection and thank you Barton - wherever you are - you made my life more interesting.
Sean, What a true friend you are. Barton loved you and loved you also for the committment that you and POZ have made to the HIV/AIDS community. You were also there when he needed the peace and strength that you provided in his last days. I thank you so very much. Barton will be remembered.
Heather
I visited Barton's apartment today at the North Dakota Museum of Art. To walk through and see all of his work and collections is an experience beyond words. My six year old son was with and was wide eyed with never ending questions. I love that he got a glimpse into the big, beautiful world of Barton. Your friend's legacy lives on, what an amazing man.
January 31, 2021 • Grand Forks, ND