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GARY, Ind. (AP) — When Realtor Tim Petrites recently did a routine walk through to list a house in Gary's Miller Beach neighborhood, he made a discovery that inspired him to keep an artist's legacy alive.
"I went to look at this house and what I found in the basement was wall-to-wall, floor to ceiling of this amazing art," Petrites told The Times (http://bit.ly/1BFUqI2 ). "I couldn't believe that in this dark and dreary place with one single solitary light, that this treasure trove of color and imagination could have been created."
The home and art belonged to the late William Kazlauskis, fondly known as "Mr. K" when he was an English teacher at Pierce Middle School.
Petrites was struck by the use of color and the multitude of paintings in the basement despite its surroundings.
"They are fascinating," said Petrites. "Some portraits reminded me of Picasso, some were tasteful nudes, others were creations that could be seen as faces, kayaks, towns and buildings. One could easily let their mind run wild at each glance and the fact that he wasn't even an art teacher is ironic."
Petrites asked the estate if they would consider donating the pieces to the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District and they obliged "without hesitation." On Valentine's Day weekend, the organization hosted a benefit called Love: Lost & Found Art Show Benefit and all the proceeds were donated to help revitalize the Miller Beach community.
"This show was successful on so many different levels," said Meg Roman, Miller Beach Creative Art & Creative District executive director. "We raised several thousands of dollars, but, most importantly, the community came together to make this happen to celebrate this inspiring person that we are continually learning more and more about."
Art enthusiasts from as far as Chicago, Indianapolis and Union Pier, Michigan came to the weekend show, and many family members and past students also lent their support and stories.
The late Kazlauskis was an Army veteran who served in Korea and Pakistan and was part owner of an art school in Colorado. Kazlauskis also was a photographer and a fan of the opera. According to family members, he "blared opera music while painting in the basement."
Just about all of the 150 Kazlauskis paintings were sold at last weekend's benefit.
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Information from: The Times, http://www.thetimesonline.com
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