Paso Robles artist commemorates July 13, 2024 shooting with sculptures
Artist to fund monument for firefighter killed in shooting
– Local artist Dale Evers received a letter of acknowledgment from Donald Trump last month after sending the former president a sculpture inspired by the July 13, 2024, shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Evers, who lives and works in Paso Robles and Guadalajara, Mexico, created the piece titled The Nick of Time to mark what he described as a moment of survival during the campaign event, in which Trump was struck in the ear and survived.
“On July 13, 2024, then presidential candidate Donald Trump escaped death and instead suffered only a nick in his ear,” Evers said. “This event inspired me to create a sculpture to celebrate what I believe was most certainly divine intervention.”
Evers said the sculpture was a response to his own memories of political violence.
“When I was 8 years old, JFK was assassinated, and I was traumatized. The assassinations continued into the 70s. Because of this history, I cringe when this violence raises its ugly head. The level of hatred that brings on this level of violence is reprehensible,” Evers said. “I was so relieved that President Trump survived that I began work on a sculpture to capture what happened in Butler, Pennsylvania.”
Corey Comperatore
He sent the first copy of The Nick of Time to Trump at the White House in mid-March. He received a letter in return, which he described as a meaningful gesture.
“What a terrific honor. Unfortunately, Corey Comperatore was not so lucky. Comperatore was the Army veteran and firefighter who was hit by one of the rounds and lost his life protecting his family. I can’t stop thinking about Corey. I decided to create a monument in his honor,” Evers said.
Evers plans to travel to Butler, Pennsylvania, in early May to meet with local political leaders and seek approval for the project.
“I am currently financing the project out of my own pocket. I am determined to give Corey this recognition and honor,” he said.
Evers has worked as a professional artist and designer for more than 40 years.
