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BEAUTIFYING WAYLAND HALL:
THE SWANSON POSTER PROJECT

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.