The first time FCP made a child cry

One special friend of Free Crappy Portraits, is Allison D., pictured left in the ridiculous clown hair, who happens to be a notable figure in the world of puppetry.  She and her Texan roommate Karen A., pictured right, came to the third public Free Crappy Portraits outing as guest artists.

And ruined a child's life.

It could have been prevented.  One stipulation Rj considered from the outset was to avoid doing portraits for children, especially on public outings, because nothing else, aside from the quality of the art itself, was more likely to distress a supervisor and get the group kicked out of the park. 

But when a single mother meandered up to the fountain, holding the hand of her young son, intending to enjoy a day at the park, Allison's love of children kicked in.  She's known amongst her friends for her eternally positive demeanor and indomitable cheer.  The mother glanced at the portrait table, undoubtedly searching for a trace of business logic or suspecting some kind of religious proselytizing, whereupon Rj shouted one of his less-than-alluring portrait proposals, "Mediocre art - FREE!" and then she had to investigate.  The child pulled his mom up to Allison, full of hope and excitement.  Allison asked him what he would like her to draw.

"Spongebob Squarepants!"  he said, clearly his favorite cartoon.  Just mentioning it, his face alit with the joy of childhood and Rj wondered if this once, it would be okay to allow a child portrait.  The mother seemed okay with it, but declined to be drawn herself. 

So Allison set to work sketching Spongebob.  She drew Spongebob and the child holding hands, as tall as each other, in her own unique wiry-lined pencil contour style. 

In this time, Rj had stepped away from the table to go buy some water.  When he returned, he was surprised to find the mother consoling the child, who was wailing with tears, as Allison apologized for her portrait, not quite sure what had upset him so much.  Perhaps he had expected these public artists to be professionals?

The child explained in gasping breaths, that the circles dotting Spongebob's skin weren't there.  The mother politely thanked the people at the table and led the crying boy away from the park.

They did not take the portrait with them.