Neiman's Special Connection to the Columbia Restaurant

LeRoy Neiman, a world-renowned painter and sketch artist known for his portrayals of sports celebrities and sporting events, died Wednesday, June 20th at age 91.  Mr. Neiman has a special connection to The Columbia Restaurant.  In 1989 he visited The Columbia in Tampa’s historic Ybor City, and saw then owner Cesar Gonzmart playing the violin.  Afterwards he sketched four drawings of Cesar Gonzmart, and gifted Cesar with one of the paintings.  Cesar’s son, Richard Gonzmart, says “I was lucky to have met and talk with Mr. Neiman.  I always admired his work, and I was impressed with how approachable and nice he was, his presence was larger than life.”
 
In 1992, when Cesar was dying from pancreatic cancer, Richard called Mr. Neiman and asked permission to use the drawing he had sketched of his dad on a wine label for the red wine he created to honor his dad, Don Cesar.  Immediately, Mr. Neiman said, “of course, your dad is a special person.” When I asked the cost, he said with a smile in his voice, “send me a case of the wine.”
 
 Please see www.columbiarestaurant.com for more information.