Paying My Respects to the Man That Brought So Much Joy to Torrington

I was stunned when I read the sad news that Joe Kopler, a local artist based out of Torrington, had recently passed away. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I'd like to pay my respects to a man that brought so much joy to my hometown.

When my wife and I moved in three years ago, one of the first things we noticed was Torrington's commitment to the arts. Torrington has a community radio station(WAPJ 88.9 & 105.1FM), the Warner Theatre is Litchfield County's largest, and beautiful artwork, murals, and sculptures have been installed everywhere. Danielle Mailer's work on the side of Kelly's Crystals was the first artwork that stopped us in our tracks, but right across Main Street in a vacant storefront was the first time I laid eyes on the work of Joe Kopler.

Pop culture icons like Clint Eastwood, Bob Marley, Leatherface, King Kong and Elvis were just some of the subjects of Kopler's mixed media works of art, and my wife and I loved them. The little unexpected moments of joy by marveling at his creative take on our favorite actors, movies, or monsters are priceless. How many conversations and hidden memories were sparked because of Kopler's art?

Kopler's work contributed in many ways to the great feel of the downtown area of Torrington. I just read on Main St Torrington's social media that Kopler's two kids, Nate and Rileigh, will be bringing Joe's unsold works to this Saturday's Torrington Christmas and Holiday Festival, and will donate a portion of the proceeds to a scholarship fund that Main St Torrington will set up in 2025.

Thank you Mr. Kopler, your work was an inspiration to many of us.