09/29/2026
They say “never meet your heroes” because of the disappointing nature of people. Mickey was the absolute reverse of that. You met him, loved him, learned all this crazy s**t about him, couldn’t believe you somehow knew him as a normal person, and then he continued to impress you with his generosity, support, encouragement, and the things he continued to accomplish. Man, when he became a grandpa… wow I’ve never seen someone more proud.
His enthusiasm for life was infectious. I had such a profound reverence for the man that I didn’t want to let myself get too close to him, mostly out of fear of being found unworthy. But he never made me feel that way. He was always deeply interested in what I had going on.
Cat’s Paw changed the neighborhood in immeasurable ways and, without a doubt, altered the trajectory of my life. The friendships, the conversations over far too many drinks, the community that is felt there… all of it led to me opening this gallery. I could go on and on about the little moments at that bar that paved my way here.
Mickey was there for one of the craziest leaps of my life, first by simply being a sounding board, but most of all by encouraging boldness. When I was so afraid of failure, mistakes, and judgment, he always believed in me. Frankly, I didn’t get it, but here we are.
It doesn’t feel real that he isn’t here. That he’s not going to walk in and ask me what’s showing. That he’s not going to be outside hosing down the sidewalk. That he’s not going to be teasing my dog to rile her up. That he’s not going to drive by with a honk and a wave. That he’s not going to see me stressing out and offer me a shot at 10 a.m. (which I often took him up on).
My heart goes out to his family and friends, to Cats Paw Saloon and The End . It is an absolute honor to be a part of this neighborhood. The gallery wouldn’t be here without him.
Mickey was like no other. He is the hero that everyone should be so lucky to meet.
Happy birthday, Mick. Fu***ng love you.
