Richard Thurston is the co-owner of Grover/Thurston Gallery in Pioneer Square. He and Susan Grover, his wife and partner, founded the gallery in 1991. The thriving gallery specializes in contemporary painting and sculpture. Richard loves his work because he has the opportunity to meet both artists and collectors. His work is also across the street from his residence. He believes “Life is far too short to spend behind the wheel of an automobile, and the ability to walk to work is one of the great perks of my job.”
When Richard is not working you will find him biking, attending spin classes, and reading, “a lot,” mainly fiction. “Probably too much, and in hindsight, if I’d read a little less I might have amounted to something.”
Richard buys his weekly copy of Real Change when he visits Zeitgeist Coffee. He always has something extremely witty or “off-the-wall” funny to share. Long after he’s gone, his attitude keeps me smiling. It is never a mediocre day when he comes around.
Let’s hear a bit more about Richard:
How long have you been reading Real Change?
I think since the beginning. Around 1994 it seems. Some of the best discussion of Seattle’s really serious issues takes place on these pages.
Do you think there is a solution to ending homelessness in our own city?
If we can find $300 million in virtually no time to build yet another sports palace, we can muster the resources to shelter anyone living on the streets and then build the structures necessary to help those folks find suitable housing, proper care, training and job opportunities.
Do you support or/are you affiliated with any other nonprofits or meaningful organizations?
I have served on the board of Earshot Jazz over the years. Earshot presents tens of dozens of concerts yearly featuring local, national and international musicians. They produce the annual Earshot Jazz Festival — 2013 marks the 25 th anniversary — October to November, which has worldwide acclaim.
Do you have an inspirational mantra or quote that you live by?
“It’s better to stay silent and look a fool, rather than speak and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Pop music. Shamelessly mawkish ballads in particular. And Fritos.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I live with two cats over whom I dote endlessly. Kind of pathetic, really, but that’s how it is.
Who is your favorite historical figure and why?
I would enjoy having dinner with Voltaire (“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”) and Miles Davis (“Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to like yourself.”) Extremely intelligent, difficult men. I think it would be a wonderful conversation to listen in on.
If you were a rock star or musician, who would you be?
Donald Fagen (co-founder, lead singer of Steely Dan): Sarcastic, hip, brilliant. All the characteristics I aspire to in my next incarnation.