John Wayne Gacy “Hi Ho Around the Campfire” Painting
“Hi Ho Around the Campfire” is an original painting created by notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy during his time on Death Row. Drawing inspiration from Disney’s Seven Dwarfs, the artwork depicts the beloved characters gathered around a glowing campfire in a dark woodland setting. The contrast between the cheerful subject matter and the infamous artist behind the work creates a dark and unsettling piece that has fascinated true crime collectors for decades.
Executed in Gacy’s recognizable folk-art style, the painting features vivid colors, hand-painted details, and the whimsical imagery that became a recurring theme throughout many of his prison era artworks. Pieces such as this offer a rare glimpse into the unusual body of work produced by one of America’s most infamous criminals while on Death Row for the murders of at least 33 young men and boys.
The painting is signed in silver ink on the front “J.W. Gacy” and is signed and titled again on the back. Also included is a personal note to the buyer, along with a third signature under that.
Painting measures 16x20 inches and comes professionally framed under museum glass.
COA included
John Wayne Gacy (March 17, 1942 – May 10, 1994) was an American serial killer and sex offender who became one of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history. Active primarily between 1972 and 1978, Gacy was convicted of murdering at least 33 young men and boys in Cook County, Illinois. He lured many of his victims to his home with the promise of work or companionship before sexually assaulting, torturing, and killing them. Most of the victims were buried in a crawl space beneath his suburban Chicago residence.
Gacy was well-known in his community as a successful contractor and active civic participant, often performing at local events dressed as “Pogo the Clown.” This double life contributed to the public shock following his arrest in December 1978. In 1980, he was convicted on all counts and sentenced to death. After spending 14 years on death row, Gacy was executed by lethal injection at Stateville Correctional Center on May 10, 1994.
