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Menu of the Posters (a quick way to see each one) "A VISIT" is the title of this poster, copyright 1996 by John August Swanson. It clearly typifies the artist's technique and approach to imagery that tells many stories at once. This may or may not be Mary's visit to Elizabeth. Whatever. It is perfect for the Sunday when we focus on Jesus' commandment to us to Love Our Neighbor. The Artist
Born
in Los Angeles in 1938, artist John August Swanson is noted for his finely
detailed, brilliantly colored paintings and original prints. Swanson’s
art reflects the strong heritage of storytelling he inherited from his
Mexican mother and Swedish father. His narrative is direct and easly understood. He addresses himself to human values,
cultural roots, and his quest for self-discovery through visual images.
These include Bible stories and social celebrations such as attending
the circus, the concert, and the opera. He also tells of everyday existence,
of city and country walks, of visits to the library, the train station or the
schoolroom. All his parables optimistically embrace life and one’s
spiritual transformation. John Swanson’s unique style is influenced by
the imagery of Islamic and medieval miniatures, Russian iconography, the
color of Latin American folk art, and the tradition of Mexican muralists. An Internationally
Recognized Artist
Swanson's
works are found in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History,
London’s Tate Gallery, the Vatican Museum’s Collection of Modern Religious
Art, and other public collections. Who Owns the
Poster rights?
Swanson
has assigned all poster sales and rights to the National Association for
Hispanic Elderly, in Pasadena, California. |
The Background
Pastor
Joe Vought visited in the home of a parishioner. There he saw a serigraph
copy of one of the posters by the artist John August Swanson. Intrigued by
its color, movement, and devotional aspects, he pursued information about its
availability as a poster. Here's what was learned: (left panel) What Happened
Next
Pastor
Joe invited the Memorials Committee to consider a project to purchase all the
available Swanson posters. Adair McConnell agreed to help with the project,
and full information was procured. The Committee solicited memorial gifts
from anyone in the congregation who wished to glorify God and honor someone with
a poster. Each person gave the Committee an inscription to be placed with the
poster and very soon almost all were designated. So we bought the
posters; then what?
Adair
McConnell's friends Debbie and Gene Van Pelt, who run "Forever
Yours" framing service in Verona, helped choose metal frames, colors,
and sizes so that there would be both vivid variety and yet a harmony of hue
and intensity for the whole set. The posters arrived and were framed, and off
we went! So Who Did the
Hanging?
The
Memorials Committee, (Ruby Lineweaver, Chair),
Jackie Kiser, Phyllis Garber, Anne Moynihan, Bob Miller, and Adair McConnell
joyfully assembled in Wayland Hall twice, for several hours. Anne and Jackie
and Ruby moved everything around many times. Then, Phyllis gave expert advice
on artistic and design decisions: what would look best with what, and where
should the grouping hang? Jackie and Anne and Ruby made paper templates to
guarantee perfect positioning. Bob drilled all the holes, inserted the anchors
and the screws, and adjusted endlessly till all was perfectly aligned. (=WHEW!=) How about the
"unveiling"?
At
the congregation annual meeting on November 21st, the committee revealed to
the members all the beautiful posters in their assigned spaces in Wayland
Hall. Adair McConnell described each, its donor, and the inscription, when
available. Malcolm Wilfong and Steve Frysinger dramatically removed the paper covers one by
one until all were shown in all their glory. General approval and delight
were the order of the evening. What's Next?
A
holder of explanatory brochures has been installed beside the poster nearest
the coffee service area. Members are encouraged to take one. The brochure
details facts about Swanson and names the poster donors and tributes. Tribute
labels have been added to each donated poster. |