The late Charlie Munger, a revered investment icon, was recently honored through a stunning bronze bust sculpture at the Omaha Marriott during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. This 24-inch tall sculpture became a focal point for guests at the hotel, captivating the attention of Berkshire shareholders and even Munger’s daughter, Wendy, and his longtime executive assistant, Doerthe Obert. The artist behind this remarkable sculpture, 39-year-old Yu Shu, shared her touching encounter with Doerthe Obert at the hotel lobby, reminiscing about their previous meeting during the creation process of the Munger bust.
Yu Shu, a real estate agent turned artist and Berkshire shareholder, embarked on a year-long journey to craft the perfect rendition of Charlie Munger. Her dedication to capturing Munger’s likeness was evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the numerous attempts to refine the facial features. Despite initial setbacks, Yu’s unwavering passion for art, inspired by Warren Buffett’s sage advice, fueled her determination to transform her love for art into a meaningful business endeavor. The process of sculpting Munger’s bust was likened to the principles of value investing, requiring patience and persistence to achieve a true masterpiece.
Yu Shu’s artistic journey, rooted in her admiration for Charlie Munger, culminated in the creation of bronze bust sculptures available for enthusiasts willing to own a piece of investment history. The full-sized bronze busts, priced at $19,500 each, and the half-sized cold cast bronze busts, priced at $595, offer collectors the opportunity to cherish a tangible tribute to Munger’s legacy. As Yu continues to pursue her artistic endeavors, she is currently working on crafting larger sculptures dedicated to Warren Buffett, further solidifying her passion for art and Berkshire Hathaway.
During the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, a longtime shareholder purchased the Munger bust displayed at the Marriott, intending to present this extraordinary artwork to the Munger family as a token of admiration and respect. While the buyer chose to remain anonymous, the sentiment behind this gesture symbolizes the profound impact that Charlie Munger had on individuals within the investment community. Through Yu Shu’s artistry, Munger’s essence and wisdom are immortalized in a tangible form, celebrating his enduring legacy for generations to come.
The unveiling of the Charlie Munger bronze bust sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of the indelible mark left by one of the most influential figures in the world of finance. Yu Shu’s dedication to capturing Munger’s persona through art exemplifies the power of creativity in honoring esteemed individuals, and her journey from real estate agent to acclaimed artist showcases the transformative nature of following one’s passion. As the Berkshire Hathaway community continues to reflect on the profound impact of Charlie Munger, this sculpture stands as a fitting tribute to a man whose wisdom and insight will continue to inspire future generations of investors.