Emmett Kelly Sr. quilt

A quilt memorializing Emmett Kelly Sr. will be sold in conjunction with a festival that kicks off with activities on Friday, April 26, in Houston.

The 79- x 90-inch quilt was crafted by residents of the South Central Correctional Center at Licking, who make them for non-profit groups in the region. Proceeds will go toward funding a scholarship for a fine arts student at Houston High School. Last year’s winners are studying art and music on the university level.

Kelly, who was raised on a farm east of Houston, created his sad-faced character on his artist’s drawing board during the Great Depression and brought Weary Willie to life as a circus clown in 1932. He delighted generations of audiences in the circus ring, on television and other entertainment venues.

Online bidding is available now here: https://bit.ly/3U3AXx6

Brad Gentry, a fifth-generation Texas County resident and University of Missouri journalism graduate, is the former publisher of the Houston Herald. He has served on boards, led downtown revitalization...

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