A bronze bust sculpture of the late Charlie Munger was featured in the lobby of the Omaha Marriott during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. Munger, who passed away in November at the age of 99, was a longtime partner and confidante of Warren Buffett. The sculpture became a conversation piece for guests at the hotel, including Munger’s daughter Wendy and his executive assistant Doerthe Obert. The artist, Yu Shu, spent 12 months creating the sculpture and was inspired by Warren Buffett’s advice to turn her passion for art and Berkshire into a business.
Yu Shu, a real estate agent turned artist and Berkshire shareholder, was drawn to Munger as a personal hero and decided to create a bronze bust sculpture of him. She visited Munger’s home in Los Angeles in March 2023 to gather close-up shots of his profile from his assistant, Doerthe Obert. Despite being declined a meeting with Munger, she was able to complete the sculpture after multiple attempts. The full-sized bronze busts are available for purchase for $19,500 each, while half-sized cold cast bronze busts are priced at $595. Yu is currently working on creating big-sized sculptures of Warren Buffett.
The sculpture of Charlie Munger at the Marriott was eventually purchased by a longtime Berkshire shareholder who wished to remain anonymous. The buyer expressed a desire to give the artwork to the Munger family as a tribute to the late investment icon. Yu Shu emphasized the similarities between creating a bronze sculpture and value investing, noting that both required patience and persistence. She was moved by Buffett’s advice that doing what one loves can feel like not working at all, which motivated her to turn her passion for art into a business.
The Marriott lobby was a hub of activity during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, with numerous shareholders and guests stopping to admire the bronze bust sculpture of Charlie Munger. The presence of the sculpture sparked conversations among attendees and generated interest in Yu Shu’s work as an artist. Munger’s daughter Wendy and executive assistant Doerthe Obert paid special visits to the lobby to see the sculpture, showcasing their admiration for Munger and his legacy. The Marriott served as the preferred quarters for Munger whenever he visited Omaha and the Berkshire headquarters with Warren Buffett.
Yu Shu shared her experience of meeting Doerthe Obert and creating the bronze bust sculpture of Charlie Munger, highlighting her personal connection to Munger as a hero. Her journey from real estate agent to artist was driven by her passion for art and Berkshire, and she credits Warren Buffett’s advice for inspiring her. The sale of the Munger sculpture to a longtime Berkshire shareholder symbolized the lasting impact and admiration Munger held within the investment community. Yu’s dedication to her craft and her love for art shone through in her work, reflecting the patience and persistence required in both sculpture-making and value investing.
In conclusion, the bronze bust sculpture of Charlie Munger was a focal point at the Omaha Marriott during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, attracting attention from guests, shareholders, and admirers alike. Yu Shu’s dedication to creating the sculpture and her passion for art and Berkshire were evident in her work. The sale of the sculpture to a Berkshire shareholder for eventual gifting to the Munger family marked a poignant tribute to the late investment icon. The sculpture served as a symbol of Munger’s enduring legacy and the impact he had on those within the investment community.
