Lobby artwork for Cookin' at the Cookery

ALBERTA HUNTER

(April 1, 1895 - October 17, 1984)

Pastel portrait by Zeke Estep

from original photograph

In 1995, Zeke Estep was 22 years old when he was a passenger in a car that was hit head-on by a careless driver. He was in a coma ten days, in the hospital two months and in rehab for two years. He lost the use of his right hand and arm and had a limp plus many other cognitive disabilities. Zeke managed to overcome many of his disabilities and live independently with support from family members.

He learned to draw with his left hand and drew many pastel portraits selling for about $800 each. His artwork gave him alot of pleasure and a sense of fulfillment. He participated in numerous art shows in St. Louis and developed quite a following.

Zeke lived with his brain injury for ten years until he passed away on November 8, 2006, at the age of 32. He is survived by a son, Jaren, who was age 6, plus other family members. His artwork can be viewed on www.artjunkiesgallery.com.