As we all have heard, Eunice Kennedy Shriver died this morning, August 11, at the age of 88. What you might not know is that Kennedy Shriver is the first portrait commissioned by the gallery that was not a president or first lady. In a large part this has to do with the artist, my friend David Lenz, who I'd like to introduce you to.
Dave Lenz has a remarkable child, Sam, who has Down's syndrome. Dave Lenz also happens to be a remarkable artist. He paints with precision, life-like quality (a realistic style considered unfashionable) and chooses as his subjects the less visible in our society - farmers, inner-city youth, and his own son, Sam. His website is here.
Dave was won the top prize in the National Portrait Gallery's first-ever national portrait competition in 2006 (the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition). This is the portrait of his son Sam that won him the prize:
Sam and the Perfect World 44" x 46" oil on linen
The prize included $25,000 and the chance to create a portrait of a remarkable American for the Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. And that's where Dave comes in.
As I mentioned above Kennedy Shriver is the first portrait commissioned by the gallery that was not a president or first lady. This had much to do with Dave's "pushing." Although he won the competition in 2006, the painting was not finished and exhibited until May of 2009, because of Dave's measured approach to the question of who would be the best subject. I spoke with Dave on several occasions- it was taking a long time for him and the National Portrait gallery executives to find common ground in terms of the subject of Dave's portrait. Dave was fairly adamant but thoughtful - he wanted a discussion with the Gallery around the word "remarkable." He said to me on more than one occasion - "what makes a person remarkable? Kindness? Goodness? Devotion to others? It can't just be heads of states and politicians." The Gallery heads floated him Bush, Laura, etc., but he said no.
This discussion with Gallery executives on the subject of the portrait delayed the start of the portrait. But eventually they chose Eunice as a truly "remarkable" person. Here's the finished portrait; Eunice with special needs children:
I'd like to say thanks publicly to Dave, and Eunice, and all others who have helped my atypical kid, here below, find a modicum of comfort in the world. It turns out from Special Olympics participation he's a great track and field athlete and has already been spotted by the middle school coach. But here he is, being him.
And to all of you with typical children - invite that atypical kid over one day, just for an ice cream, a walk in the park, putting together a puzzle, something. I can't tell you all what it would mean to him or her. It would mean the world.