Gary V. Ambrose
II .. Has been cutting coins since 1985. He learned from his mother
and stepfather, who have been coincutters since he was a young kid
(Today, he is over 40). Gary started his own business in
1985 (with their concept), and went his own way with
it.
Today, his parents
still cut coins. They work the "upper" Michigan area. Gary works the
"lower" Michigan area mainy. Both their booths share alot of
similarities, yet both are unique also. Most designs are
totally different, yet both have "copied" certain designs (they felt
good). Both "businesses" are seperate.. and although they remain a
close family, they don't really keep up on what "shows" or whatever
the other is doing (unless it comes up in casual
conversation).
Gary and his parents
have done "literally" thousands of shows. Not together, but shows
all over. Gary personally has done shows in "Michigan, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and many
more places. Previous he tended to travel further then his parents,
but today both like to stick to a 2 hour range from
home.
Gary, his mother, and
stepfather.. are the ones who cut the coins. All are good and have
"alot of experience". However, Gary will be first to admit his
"mother" is the "Best" artist. She's like a "natural" and good at
anything she does (art wise). She just has a "natural" feel for art,
and if you say something you want.. she pictures it great. But also,
there are certain aspects all 3 excell at. Some things would look
"best" if Gary did them, some if Larry (stepfather), and some if his
mom did. No worries for the "customer".. if any was asked to do
something they felt the other could do alot better.. they'd refer
you to them.
Gary grew up in a
"long" family list of artists. Most of his family are major
(accomplished) artists in one way or the other. His aunt runs a
major art gallery in "Flint Michigan". His cousin (aunt's daughter),
is a major artist. She is into many projects. His (second
cousin I think) is named "David Magee". He wrote the screenplay for
the "Johnny Depp" movie "Finding Neverland". Gary said, "I
haven't seen him in years, but "Suddenly I want his autograph"..
lol. Gary says, probably the "REAL BEST" was his grandmother.
She is like 95 right now. When she was around 90, she made complete
books of her life for all her kids and grandkids on her computer
(Totally awesome if you could see). She makes "rugs" the size of an
entire room.. to give away when she dies. And trust me.. they ARE
awesome. All artistic ability comes from her. A visit to
"grandma" is being planned by the brothers right now.
Gary used to go for
the "excitment" shows. Shows like "Bike week (Daytona Beach, FL),
Nascar track (Atlanta Georgia), Detroit events or whatever". Now..
he has a new baby (Sebastian Lee Ambrose), and has more fun being
around his new son. You'll see him around Michigan, within a 200
mile range of "Flint" now. But never know where he may decide to do
a show...
Gary is currently
residing in "Flushing Michigan" with his girlfriend "Roxann".
Together they have 5 kids. Her two (16 and 13), his two (Almost 17
and 12), and one together... Sebastian, 8 months.
(10-30-08)
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