Weekend Showcase: A Farewell to CCX News’ Neil Pursley
In this Weekend Showcase, we say goodbye to Reporter Neil Pursley. After almost nine years working for CCX Media, Neil has signed off. We remember his dedication to the arts and the stories he highlighted in the northwest suburbs.
“The efforts Neil made to promote the arts in our community is felt deeply,” said Jim Clark with Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Clark also coordinated the art exhibits at the State Fair. Clark appreciated how Neil would approach stories about art. “I learned to see some art pieces differently through my conversations with Neil,” said Clark.
Neil photographed dozens of art exhibits in the northwest suburbs and talked to numerous local artists too.
“Neil has been a rather calming influence quite often in what can be getting a hectic show set up and waiting to see how it is rec’d by the public. I’ve always enjoyed that he knew the right questions and drew the responses from me. I have enjoyed working with him tremendously,” said Jean Johnson from the Robbin Gallery. “To quote an old adage, I hope the road always comes up to greet you. May your path be easy and we wish you the best from all the artists and staff at Robbin Gallery.”
Besides art exhibits, Neil also showcased many high school theater productions.
“Usually at a high school level, your high school musical is your big ticket for the season, but Neil came to everything, from a one-act to the fall show and the spring show” said Gretchen Wurzer-Palm, theater director from Cooper High School. “He made kids, and even me, feel like our production is really really important. Of course, it’s important to us, but for an outside person to feel, this is something really important and we need to get the word out.”
Over at Wayzata High School, theater director Sonia Gerber agrees.
“Neil is such a joy to work with. He’s the kind of person that the minute he walks into a room, he makes everyone feel comfortable around him,” said Gerber. “Neil always did such a great job at making these shows seem so appealing to our audiences. I know for a fact that people came to that show because of what they saw, because of Neil’s packages on our shows.”
Neil really showed his creativity and storytelling skill when he went outside to tell stories at local parks. In his stories, he would work in useful information like where to park or whether to carry bug spray. He wasn’t shy about trying sports like log rolling or skiing, and failing or falling on camera. Neil’s good natured spirit that you saw on camera is the same that you would see off camera, too.
We will remember Neil and his stories he brought us, with a smile.
Thank you.
Brooklyn Center | Brooklyn Park | Champlin | Crystal | Golden Valley | Maple Grove | New Hope | Osseo | Plymouth | Robbinsdale
