A breeze in Ferguson Grove Park created a little bit of relief from the scorching afternoon temperatures recently as Trey Virgil worked in his outdoor art studio, a picnic table. A gust of air swished his portfolio as he sketched a caricature of his 17-year-old brother Justin.
On the table is a diploma case embossed with Hazelwood East High School. Virgil admits COVID created havoc during his senior year at Hazelwood. The brothers came to Poplar Bluff to stay with their grandmother Queen Langford and to look at educational opportunities.
Virgil sells his caricatures in the park, part of a plan to save money for college, where he hopes to play basketball and study art. His dream is to become an architect.
“I love to draw. It’s easy,” Virgil said.
He’s always been an artist, but when Virgil wanted to become a caricature artist he studied videos and books until he developed his style.
“I’m going to continue my painting,” he said.
Virgil varied the colors of his drawing pencils and markers to capture Justin’s mood as he continued to work.
Explaining he’s a Christian, Virgil said, “being scared holds you back.”
“Dark times don’t last long,” said Virgil, adding, “the world is so evil you have to find the good in everything.”
Using his talents and his positive attitude, Virgil is working to get ahead in life while he’s scouting for colleges.
He’s drawn caricatures for folks who are walking by or who stop to see what he’s doing. The proceeds will be used to help him find a place to go to school where he can play basketball while continuing his art education.
“If basketball doesn’t work, I’m going to college to learn. I’m a quick learner. It always starts with a plan,” he said.
Justin chimes in “he’s working on a comic book named TV Man.”
Virgil hopes his educational plans include him living in a dorm on campus wherever he attends school.
Presently, Virgil’s daily commute to work on foot is short.
“It’s just a little walk for me to come set down for the rest of the day,” he said.
While Virgil plans to leave town to continue his education, he says his brother, who is staying here, will be a junior at Poplar Bluff High School.
“He’ll still be in touch with me. I love my little brother,” said Virgil, adding they’ll “be together again.”
The brothers like basketball, rap and landscaping, a skill they learned from an uncle who has a house where he always is doing something to update the scenery.
Virgil’s art will help him get to his new school. He plans to have enough money to buy a bus ticket when he finds the best program, whether it is in Colorado or California.