FP News Features

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Ex-Red Wing defenceman Vladimir Konstantinov exhibits art in suburban Detroit

By: The Associated Press

Posted: 11/17/2011 7:08 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 11/17/2011 7:42 PM

FILE - In this June 7, 1997 file photo, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov raises the Stanley Cup in celebration after Detroit swept the Stanley Cup finals over the Philadelphia Flyers, in Detroit. An exhibition of art by ex-Red Wings defenseman Konstantinov is going on display. Konstantinov was left with disabling brain injuries following a 1997 limo crash six days after he helped the Red Wings win their first Stanley Cup in 42 years. (AP Photo/Tom Pidgeon, File)

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - Art by former Detroit Red Wings defenceman Vladimir Konstantinov, who was left with disabling brain injuries following a 1997 limo crash, is being displayed to raise funds for an organization that supports people with such injuries.

The exhibition titled "Animals and Inspiration" includes 42 of his pieces and takes place Thursday night at Gallery U in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak, The Detroit News reported.

"We consider them folk art," said Ashley Cook of Gallery U. "They are lots of paintings of animals done in watercolours and paint blots."

Konstantinov was injured six days after he helped the Red Wings win their first Stanley Cup in 42 years. His rehabilitation has included attending the Universal Institute in Troy, which also operates the gallery.

The exhibition illustrates Konstantinov's expression through the use of paint, dough and clay. Pieces include three-dimensional works.

Signed and framed artworks are available for purchase. Proceeds will go to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, a non-profit organization that provides services for those who suffer brain injuries, their families and people who help them.

The gallery said Konstantinov's family visited the gallery before the exhibition and they have asked for privacy during the show.

Konstantinov, teammate Slava Fetisov and masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov got into a limo after a team party at a golf course. Travelling about 80 km/h through the suburb of Birmingham shortly before dusk, the limo veered across several lanes, jumped a curb and slammed into a tree.

Fetisov escaped with relatively minor injuries and was able to help the Red Wings repeat as champions the next season.

Konstantinov, who was comatose for more than five weeks following the wreck, and Mnatsakanov both came away with brain injuries. Konstantinov has made slow, steady progress over the years in his rehabilitation.

The limo driver ended up spending time in jail.

___

Information from: The Detroit News, http://detnews.com/

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More FP News Features

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.