Donating art to help the homeless
I’ve talked to Tony Busalacchi from time to time over the years, and he always signs off by telling me to “make it a good day,” rather than passively having a nice day.
Now Tony has come up with a novel way to make life better for Milwaukee’s homeless. He is donating 85 pieces of art — one for each year of his far more comfortable life — and giving whatever money they fetch to pay for furnishing apartments for people previously homeless and chronically poor.
The retired teacher and his wife, Pat, have accumulated an abundance of art from around the world during their 58 years of marriage, and Tony has created quite a bit of his own. As they age, Pat and Tony have become more acutely aware of not being able to take it with them when they pass.
This idea struck Tony last month as he read an article about the old St. Anthony Hospital on 10th and State streets being converted to affordable housing for people who desperately need it. The project is called Capuchin Community Services St. Anthony Apartments and it’s next door to the Capuchins’ St. Ben’s meal site.
Furnishing the 60 apartments will run about $1,000 each, Tony learned when he called Brother Rob Roemer,
ministry director. Occupancy is planned for October. Residents will pay one-third of their monthly income for rent and utilities.
“It is my hope to furnish several of the apartments,” Tony said, depending on the proceeds from the artwork, which includes framed paintings, religious icons, stained-glass panels, sculpture and etchings.
The two-day sale will take place at the cultural arts center at St. John’s on the Lake, 1840 N. Prospect Ave., where the Busalacchis live. The public is invited from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 17and from 1-5 p.m. March 18. Most of the artwork will have a suggested donation between $50 and $1,200.
Brother Rob is thrilled with the couple’s gesture. “Tony explained to me that St. Francis of Assisi has always been his hero. Francis preached through his actions, not through words. Tony is certainly modeling after his hero,” he said.
Tony taught for years at Whitefish Bay High School, Cardinal Stritch University and the Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study. He served on the Milwaukee School Board and on the School Board and Village Board in Whitefish Bay. He has been a booster of various civic and arts organizations. The Korean War Navy veteran is a charter member of the local chapter of Veterans for Peace.
He feels two strong bonds to the apartment project. He was born at St. Anthony Hospital and his Catholic mother had a strong devotion to its namesake saint. In fact, he was named for St. Anthony.
Tony’s original idea was to put the couple’s art collection in their will.
“I’ve rethought this whole business. I’ve come to the point where, hey, anything that can be sold for a profit can go to a good cause, and that is the St. Anthony housing project for the needy.”