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The Shadow knows.

Smithsonian ink artist Welmon Sharlhorne (known to locals as Uncle Shadow)  is back and here to help.

Tyler wing goes Wingin’ It inside Smithsonian ink artist’s brand-new exclusive art gallery at Melba’s Restaurant .

Except this time, he’s keepin’ it real.

Click on video above to watch the latest edition of Ask Uncle Shadow.

 

SCRIPT

Hello there boys and girls.

My life is full of mystery.

People say things and people make up things.

It’s time to set the record straight.

UNCLE SHADOW, WHY DID YOU GO TO PRISON FOR SO LONG?

You must kill the cat, just like that.

We all have faults. That was a stumbling block in my life.

The truth from me to you.

Charge of extortion.

WELMON, HOW DID YOU BECOME AN EXTRAORDINARY ARTIST IN PRISON?

Cause I had time on my hands.

If you are determined to do something you are going to do it.

Keep your mind open.

I say unto you, got to take control in what you do.

I went to prison and I made the best of a bad situation.

UNCLE SHADOW HOW DOES YOUR ART GET OUT PRISON BEFORE YOU DO?

I was shocked.

I’m in the national museum of art in New York.

My work hangs in the Smithsonian Institute.

I would sell my art to a lot of inmates.

While I’m living, I’m part of the giving.

And they go give it to their families.

But it all comes from me.

UNCLE SHADOW HOW DID YOU MAKE IT OUT OF KATRINA?

Let me tell you about Katrina.

Yeah I got out.

Katrina came through here and broke my heart.

I was right there on Claiborne Bridge and the come got me.

Thank God I am a Katrina survivor.

I’m still here.

UNCLE SHADOW WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO UP AND COMING ARTISTS?

Compliment yourself.

Be the best that the best of what you do.

Even not in competition, just believe in you.

Don’t be a criminal.

Keep your eyes on the prize you’ll become recognized.

UNCLE SHADOW, WHY ARE YOU HERE AT MELBA’S?

This is where I get down.

Melba’s become my exclusive gallery.

You can see my art for free.

And Melba’s makes the best po’boys.

I must be bad with this ink pen.

I’m here to be. Cause I’m me.

I’m going to holler back, Zach. That’s a fact.

I love ya’ll from the bottom of my heart.

Straight and low from WGNO.