Alfonso "Al" Varela

Alfonso “Al” Varel (originally Varela, August 12, 1952—August 12, 2025) was born to a large family in El Paso, TX, that moved to the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles while he was still young. Despite a rough beginning, he discovered his gift for art early and never let anything deter him from pursuing it. His paintings and sculptures were truly distinctive, often drawing on his deep interest in world mythologies. A series of teachers and established artists recognized him as a special talent, as well as an exemplary person. He made many friends in and outside of the arts community and was long active in the Long Beach Arts Council. Having worked in retail for many years, he used a financial upturn to move to Des Moines, where he continually worked on home improvements and was everyone’s idea of a good neighbor. His focus and work ethic would have made Picasso blush, yet he always had time to mail a birthday gift or listen to someone talk about their bad day. He leaves a legacy of unrelenting kindness to both people and animals, as a succession of very lucky cats could attest. Those he has left behind will deeply miss his presence but regard knowing him as one of their lives’ great honors.

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