“These two works represent part of an eclectic collection of art that was purchased for decorating their home by the Althaver family of Cass City, Michigan,” reads background information provided by Bill and Lauren Piontkowski at a recent Trash or Treasure event held at DuMouchelles in downtown Detroit. “Holly Althaver (Walpole) was the daughter of the founder of a Michigan-based company called Walbro. They invented and mass-produced small engine carburetors and later fuel systems for the auto industry.”
The works the couple recently brought to DuMouchelles for appraisal were collected by Althaver, Lauren’s mother and Bill’s mother-in-law. “Her interest in the art community was sparked by Artrain. Originally brought to Michigan by Helen Milliken, Holly saw it as an opportunity to help show her small community the beauty and diversity of art,” the information continued.
Through Artrain and the Knox family of Georgia, she discovered the work of Ed Moulthrop. “Holly’s husband was looking for art to display in his office at Walbro,” and through the Knox family, they purchased this large bowl/sculpture from the artist and a smaller, similar version the family still affectionately calls “the donut.”…