The Artist, The Bike, and the Painting

"Everyone has a story; the most profound parts are told not by statistics, but by the things one leaves behind - spoken through off-spring objects which dreams and hands have manipulated, toiled with, and then set to float on the surface of time." – Dennis Driscoll, Artist and Philosopher

Dennis Driscoll was an art teacher at the Kane Area High School for 30 years.  He was also Jeff's junior high school art teacher.  Dennis recalls seeing Jeff ride his bike home from school instead of taking the bus. Jeff was always alone. 

Like others, Dennis could see that Jeff was in quiet pain. He distinctly remembered Jeff at a school assembly where the growing teen seemed to try to make himself as small as possible while on stage.   He saw Jeff was a loner — which isn't always a bad thing, but sometimes it can mean disconnecting from others in a way that isn't healthy.

When Jeff took his own life, Dennis was deeply moved by what had happened. He painted Jeff's bicycle standing alone in a still winter landscape — memorializing how being alone and not getting help can lead to this conclusion. Jeff's initials are reflected beneath the bicycle wheels in the large puddle beneath. Dennis’ intention was to have the painting displayed in the school superintendent’s office to honor Jeff's memory with the hope that many students over the years would be reminded of Jeff’s story.  

Dennis used Jeff’s actual bike for the painting. Afterwards, the family gave him the bicycle to show their gratitude. Dennis used the bike, carrying Jeff with him in his heart and hands, including a cross-country sabbatical ride to the New England area with his family.

Dennis donated the painting to the Kane Area School System, where it hung in various locations for over 40 years, before the school allowed SoWeGo to use it as part of its mission.

The painting reminds us that human connection and support are essential to mental health — and that nobody should have to ride alone. This is why we started SoWeGo. To connect and get help, before it’s too late.  

SoWeGo. Together.