Infamous `Idiot Savant' Makes Good

Does the name Karl Krogstad sound familiar? For fans (if any) of downtown graffiti, it should.

Ten years ago, the Seattle filmmaker plastered the city with posters that read: "Karl Krogstad makes films. Idiot Savant. Jan. 2, 1988."

Doug Jewett, then city attorney, threw the book at Krogstad, charging him with 11 counts of "postering without a permit." Krogstad faced up to 11 years in jail for gluing posters to utility poles and bridge and Monorail supports.

For better or worse, Krogstad was rescued. One judge called the prosecutor's plan for a three-day trial "absurd." Another dismissed the charges.

Meanwhile, Krogstad completed his film and since has made others, including "Surrealism" and "Fork on a Filling."

This history will be reviewed Saturday night when the notorious "Idiot Savant" posters - the last three known to exist - will be auctioned at a benefit for Summit School, the city's K-12 arts program. (The auction is at Eagles Aerie No. 1 at South Michigan Street and Corson Avenue South.)

Other artworks on the block include some serious works, such as a Mark Tobey lithograph, George Tsutakawa print and Gerry Tsutakawa sculpture.

Meanwhile, Krogstad continues to produce films. His latest project is "Gigabyte Trilogy," an autobiography he's filming in a warehouse on South Jackson Street.

Krogstad says, "Making a film that personal is painful." But not as bad as running afoul of the poster police.

Paper tiger: Congresswoman Linda Smith has joined her colleagues in the House Small Business Committee in voting for HR852, the Paperwork Elimination Act of 1997.

The bill would encourage agencies to allow businesses to provide information electronically.

In a press release, Smith says: "This is a great way to give small businesses the opportunity to provide information. It would be their option, not up to the government."

Smith's office faxed the eight-paragraph, two-page press release to media throughout the region. That, no doubt, helps reduce paperwork.

Crime wave: Greeting visitors to Seattle City Councilwoman Tina Podlodowski's office is a green Gumby and an orange Pokey Pony. Gumby has a quarter taped to his raised hand. Pokey, too, carries a quarter in his mouth.

Earlier this week, Gumby's coin vanished. The area is secure, open only to council members, staff and reporters.

The question is: Who in honest-to-a-fault Seattle could have mugged Gumby?

Locke watch: Congratulations to Gov. Gary Locke and his wife Mona Lee Locke on the birth of Emily Nicole Locke, on Sunday. The name has dignity and grace.

The Lockes wisely shunned suggestions from jokesters who proposed a name like Sher that would have been memorable, but inappropriate.

One joking suggestion had three advantages: It would have pleased House Speaker Clyde Ballard and curried favor in a Seattle neighborhood. But who wants a tot named Ballard Locke?

Batter up: The locals are anticipating the baseball season. Spotted in Kirkland was a blue sedan with a handmade sign in the rear window: "Citizens for more grand salamis."

Jean Godden's column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Local News section of The Times. Her phone is 464-8300.