As many of you know, I have a limited addition model in my bow line that I dedicated to the memory of Bart Schleyer. I was really moved when I read the story that Mike Mitten wrote about Bart (it can be found on The Brothers of the Bow website) and wanted to do something to help keep his memory alive.  His sister, Claudia had started a college fund for his you son, Artyom, who is rapidly growing into a young man now.  I decided to donate $100 from the proceeds of each bow to Artyom's college fund.  The first bow I built of the 100 in the limited line I sent to Artyom so that he might follow in his father's footsteps and roam some of the same mountains he did.  Here is a letter I got back from Cluadia a little while ago.  In it, she thanks me, but the "Thank You" really goes out to all of the guys who have bought one of his bows and will carry him into the field with them each fall.  Below is an excerpt from the letter:

I could not believe how beautiful the bow was that you sent to Artyom.  I know that it will be some thing that he treasures always.  They are trying to plan their trip to see us this summer and then Tanya hopes to leave him for a couple weeks with some of Bart's friends in Montana so that he will have to talk English (with her not around) and be with familys with kids.  She still wants him to come to the US for his last year of High school and then college and since he is 15 that time is quickly approaching.  South, we appreicate you help more than you will ever know.  Thanks again .

Claudia

   

Really cool, South!  

Awesome thing you're doing, great job

It's a great thing you are doing!          

Good on you South...and good on those who are helping to support what you have started!

That is a story that I read and reread over and over again...what a MAN and legacy he has left behind!

Travis

South, I was wondering if you knew where in Montana and/or with whom, Artyom would be visiting this summer.   I have a Caribou painting that Bart  gave me years ago, and I would like to see the painting back in the family where it truly belongs.  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Good stuff!

Great Gesture,South:I am drooling about one of those.

Ric,
I will see if I can find out for you.  I forgot to mention that Claudia gave me a STACK of postcards that where made from 5 different paintings that Bart did.  Every Schleyer that I ship out gets a set of the 5 to go along with it.  He was quite the artist!

A great gesture South and a truley slendid bow that you are honoring his memory with.

       

Neat stuff, South.  Top shelf in every way.  Thanks for the update.

Great stuff South Thnaks Shane

Where does Artyom live now??

That's awesome. And its great if you to do. I just read Mikes book,  which was excellent, and Mr. Schleyer sounds like he was a one of a kind special person. Keep up the good work

Fin

Outstanding gesture.  What can a person say about something like thay.  Bless you

Artyom lives in Russia now with his mother.  That is where Bart met her.  He makes it over almost every summer to spend time with his aunt.

Thank you so much South for helping keep the memmoy of Bart alive. I had the granite etching of Kenn Paulson did on display at Copmtons this year. It got a lot of attention. I saw Ryan there with your bows as well.
For those interested, we still donate to the Bart Schleyer memmorial fund, which is basically an educational fund for Artyom.(PM me for address) I have talked to Caudia many times and Artyom is very conservation minded young man. Thanks again. Mike

I was just thinking of Bart (and Paul Schafer) the other night, watching that insane footage of Bart's brown bear bowkill.  I think it's great was South and Mike and others have done to honor Bart's legacy.  I did get to meet Paul, but regret that I never met Bart.