(Danville, California)

This is a sad, but joyous day in Danville, California, as the community says goodbye to one of its most treasured friends and artists. Phil Hellsten died in his sleep last week at the age of 57. Phil was seemingly in good health and always in good cheer. None of us saw this coming.

Many in Danville will remember Phil as the bespectacled, eccentric artist with the long white pony tail, who walked the main streets all day and drank coffee endlessly at Peet's and Starbucks.

Many beyond the San Ramon Valley will remember Phil as the renowned artist who painted the large mural known as "Rooftop Jesus" on the roof of the Pioneer Art Gallery. (See the attached video). The rooftop art became a curiosity to local pilots, among others. I eventually helped Phil get some local TV and newspaper coverage, and videos of his work spread across the Internet. Suddenly everyone outside of Danville knew Phil, as well.

"Rooftop Jesus" was conceived in the fall of 2007. Phil's mom died in October, and he told me he wanted to paint the mural as a tribute to her. His intention was to paint St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, but those who saw the painting take shape said it was a closer resemblance to Jesus Christ. The mural gave Phil comfort after the loss of his mom, and he dedicated it to the community as a Christmas present.

Four days before Christmas in 2007, my dad died unexpectedly. I was in shock. I went to my church, Community Presbyterian, and prayed. I went to St. Isidore's and lit a candle and prayed and cried some more. I was inconsolable. In the early afternoon, I asked my wife to take a ride with me; and we went to Pioneer, where I knew Phil was hanging out, watching over the gallery and painting something. We climbed a rickety ladder to the roof to see "Rooftop Jesus" up close. It was quite remarkable. Phil reminded us why he painted it, and I told him why I had come. Anyone who has ever lost a parent knows how hard it can be.

Phil loved to paint politicians, as well, in the same black, white and gray checkerboard style as "Rooftop Jesus." First came Governor Schwarzenegger, then Hillary Clinton, and John McCain and Barack Obama and more. Many of their faces--as painted by Phil--now adorn the round heating vents on the roof.

During the Presidential campaign, I featured some of Phil's political artwork on this website:

http://www.markcurtismedia.com/blogs/mark-curtis/2008/sep/25/cool-mccain...

Phil was a big fan of my website and political travels and even tried to hold a book signing for me at the Pioneer Art Gallery. The book signing--I'm sad to say--was canceled; and yesterday I found the autographed copy of my "Age of Obama" book which I had given to Phil. It accidentally wound up back in my possession after the event was suddenly called off. The inscription reads: "Phil- Best wishes and thanks for all you do for the arts!- Mark Curtis." I will make sure the book gets back to his family. He and his artwork were treasures in our town.

For more on the life, death and art of Phil Hellsten, please visit the "Danville Weekly" online. His memorial service is at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Peace Lutheran Church in Danville. http://www.danvilleweekly.com/news/show_story.php?id=1698

God Bless you, Phil!

(Photo: Courtesy the "Danville Weekly" & Jackie Fribley)