“Papa Smurf,” Lionel Fuller

“Papa Smurf” Lionel Fuller, 24″x30″, oil on canvas, 2021

Papa Smurf is an unusual portrait in my series of street family members in that it was originally created for his vigil and as we were setting up, we were informed by other street family members that he was, in fact, alive. The director of our organization was told four days prior that he had died and was heartbroken. She found and met up with him later that evening.

Papa Smurf is known as the street preacher to many of the unsheltered. More on his story to come.