James C. Kulhanek: Difference between revisions
(06/27/2023 - Admiralboom-boom) Added information to biography of artist James C. Kulhanek concerning Kulhanek's portrait of Dennis Kucinich. |
Added Wikilinks to Jane Campbell and Michael White articles |
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As no official policy had been established concerning the commissioning of a mayor’s portrait (portraits were not commissioned by residents nor paid for with tax revenue), public contributions and or private funds paid for these artistic undertakings. Regarding a portrait of Kucinich, no individuals or groups had canvassed for funds or seemed likely to do so. Kulhanek became determined to fill that void, gratis.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bartimole |first=Roldo |date=August 16-22, 1990 |title=The Mayor Who Wasn’t There: When will City Hall Hang Kucinich’s Portrait? |edition=43 |volume=5 |pages=5 |work=Cleveland Edition}}</ref> |
As no official policy had been established concerning the commissioning of a mayor’s portrait (portraits were not commissioned by residents nor paid for with tax revenue), public contributions and or private funds paid for these artistic undertakings. Regarding a portrait of Kucinich, no individuals or groups had canvassed for funds or seemed likely to do so. Kulhanek became determined to fill that void, gratis.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bartimole |first=Roldo |date=August 16-22, 1990 |title=The Mayor Who Wasn’t There: When will City Hall Hang Kucinich’s Portrait? |edition=43 |volume=5 |pages=5 |work=Cleveland Edition}}</ref> |
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A versatile artist, Kulhanek had painted recreationally throughout his professional career (of 50 plus years) as a lithographer (Otis Litho), mural painter (for the Federal Works Project), architectural draftsman (Walker and Weeks), advertising artist (for F&S), and an editorial and commercial artist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cullinan |first=Helen |date=March 19, 1978 |title=Downtown Scene – Three Painters |pages=131 |work=Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer)}}</ref> |
A versatile artist, Kulhanek had painted recreationally throughout his professional career (of 50 plus years) as a lithographer (Otis Litho), mural painter (for the Federal Works Project), architectural draftsman ([[Walker and Weeks]]), advertising artist (for F&S), and an editorial and commercial artist for the [[The Plain Dealer|Cleveland Plain Dealer]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cullinan |first=Helen |date=March 19, 1978 |title=Downtown Scene – Three Painters |pages=131 |work=Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer)}}</ref> |
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His oils were widely recognized throughout the greater Cleveland area. Thirty-one of his paintings underwent exhibition in the Seventh Floor Picture Gallery of Halle’s Downtown between October 10 and 15, 1977.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 25, 1977 |title=It’s Happening at Halle’s: James Kulhanek |pages=2 |work=Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer)}}</ref> Another exhibition was mounted between March 5 and 31, 1978, at the Spring Show hosted by the Center Gallery, Parmatown Medical Building.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1978 |title=Art: Area Openings Today |pages=112 |work=Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer}}</ref> |
His oils were widely recognized throughout the greater Cleveland area. Thirty-one of his paintings underwent exhibition in the Seventh Floor Picture Gallery of Halle’s Downtown between October 10 and 15, 1977.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 25, 1977 |title=It’s Happening at Halle’s: James Kulhanek |pages=2 |work=Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer)}}</ref> Another exhibition was mounted between March 5 and 31, 1978, at the Spring Show hosted by the Center Gallery, Parmatown Medical Building.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1978 |title=Art: Area Openings Today |pages=112 |work=Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer}}</ref> |
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Officially retired by 1978, Kulhanek painted full-time at his studio off Prospect Street in Berea, Ohio, broadening his oeuvre to include portraits and historical subjects. |
Officially retired by 1978, Kulhanek painted full-time at his studio off Prospect Street in [[Berea, Ohio]], broadening his oeuvre to include portraits and historical subjects. |
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Dying of terminal stomach cancer in 1989, wracked by tremendous pain, Kulhanek channeled the last vestiges of his failing strength to the project. Informed by Kulhanek of his proposed undertaking, Kucinich visited the Kulhanek household, posed, and supplied photographs taken of himself during his term as mayor.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naymik |first=Mark |date=July 25, 2002 |title=Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist’s Son Says |pages=B2 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}}</ref> Taking up his oils, the dying artist was buoyed by the thought of painting the capstone to his career. He envisioned its warm reception, and a grateful citizenry hanging it with pride.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=February 22, 1980 |title=Eighty-two-year-old Artist Still Going Strong |pages=1 |work=The News Sun}}</ref> |
Dying of terminal stomach cancer in 1989, wracked by tremendous pain, Kulhanek channeled the last vestiges of his failing strength to the project. Informed by Kulhanek of his proposed undertaking, Kucinich visited the Kulhanek household, posed, and supplied photographs taken of himself during his term as mayor.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naymik |first=Mark |date=July 25, 2002 |title=Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist’s Son Says |pages=B2 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}}</ref> Taking up his oils, the dying artist was buoyed by the thought of painting the capstone to his career. He envisioned its warm reception, and a grateful citizenry hanging it with pride.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=February 22, 1980 |title=Eighty-two-year-old Artist Still Going Strong |pages=1 |work=The News Sun}}</ref> |
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Kulhanek depicted an age-appropriate Kucinich seated at his desk in the mayor’s office. Prominently featured upon the wall behind him was an image of Muny Light (known now as [[Cleveland Public Power]]).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=September 20, 1990 |title=Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait |pages=A1, A7 |work=The News Sun}}</ref> The artist applied his last brushstroke to the canvas in January 1990 -- two months prior to his death.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naymik |first=Mark |date=July 25, 2002 |title=Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist’s Son Says |pages=B2 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}}</ref> |
Kulhanek depicted an age-appropriate Kucinich seated at his desk in the mayor’s office. Prominently featured upon the wall behind him was an image of Muny Light (known now as [[Cleveland Public Power]]).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=September 20, 1990 |title=Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait |pages=A1, A7 |work=The News Sun}}</ref> The artist applied his last brushstroke to the canvas in January 1990 -- two months prior to his death.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naymik |first=Mark |date=July 25, 2002 |title=Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist’s Son Says |pages=B2 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}}</ref> |
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A week before Kulhanek died on April 1, 1990, Kucinich visited him a final time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=September 20, 1990 |title=Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait |pages=A1, A7 |work=The News Sun}}</ref>Ken Wood, staff writer for The News Sun (a community newspaper serving five of Cleveland’s suburbs), wrote about Kucinich’s reaction. He was “very humbled” by Kulhanek’s having given “so unselfishly of his considerable talents.” He judged that the artist had a “keen understanding of the values (he) stood for as mayor,” and captured his likeness and communicated the nuances of his term in office, “particularly with respect to the issue of light and power.” He expressed his amenability to it serving as his official portrait (should he be granted that mark of recognition by the sitting administration of Mayor Michael White). Contacting a spokesperson for the White administration, Kucinich related Kulhanek’s epic undertaking, and, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the dying artist’s wish that the portrait (which he was prepared to donate) serve his intended purpose.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=February 22, 1980 |title=Eighty-two-year-old Artist Still Going Strong |pages=1 |work=The News Sun}}</ref> |
A week before Kulhanek died on April 1, 1990, Kucinich visited him a final time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=September 20, 1990 |title=Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait |pages=A1, A7 |work=The News Sun}}</ref>Ken Wood, staff writer for The News Sun (a community newspaper serving five of Cleveland’s suburbs), wrote about Kucinich’s reaction. He was “very humbled” by Kulhanek’s having given “so unselfishly of his considerable talents.” He judged that the artist had a “keen understanding of the values (he) stood for as mayor,” and captured his likeness and communicated the nuances of his term in office, “particularly with respect to the issue of light and power.” He expressed his amenability to it serving as his official portrait (should he be granted that mark of recognition by the sitting administration of Mayor [[Michael R. White (politician)|Michael White]]). Contacting a spokesperson for the White administration, Kucinich related Kulhanek’s epic undertaking, and, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the dying artist’s wish that the portrait (which he was prepared to donate) serve his intended purpose.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Ken |date=February 22, 1980 |title=Eighty-two-year-old Artist Still Going Strong |pages=1 |work=The News Sun}}</ref> |
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Over the course of the ensuing months, Mayor White’s Press Secretary, Alan Seifullah, made inquiries of Kulhanek’s widow, Joyce, and their son, James, about the portrait (which remained untouched at the Kulhanek home). Though the formal acquisition of the painting by the Cleveland municipality, and a public unveiling at city hall were never refused (outright), neither were they certified.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Kevin |date=September 20, 1990 |title=Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait |pages=A1, A7. |work=The News Sun}}</ref> |
Over the course of the ensuing months, Mayor White’s Press Secretary, Alan Seifullah, made inquiries of Kulhanek’s widow, Joyce, and their son, James, about the portrait (which remained untouched at the Kulhanek home). Though the formal acquisition of the painting by the Cleveland municipality, and a public unveiling at city hall were never refused (outright), neither were they certified.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Kevin |date=September 20, 1990 |title=Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait |pages=A1, A7. |work=The News Sun}}</ref> |
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The matter remained dormant until 2002 when Cleveland’s 56th mayor, Jane Louise Campbell, announced a campaign to raise $40,000 to commission a portrait of Kucinich. Kulhanek’s son, James, wrote to Campbell about his father’s portrait and that it was unnecessary for the city to undertake such a costly venture (as a portrait already existed, had met with Kucinich’s approval, and cost the city nothing). Labor leader John Ryan was authorized by the Campbell administration to communicate its stance to James Kulhanek concerning the painting: it was markedly varied in tone, style, and technique to the other portraits as to make it incompatible. When approached for his personal opinion, Kucinich, who was then a congressman, replied that: “The White administration believed it was not in keeping with the style of other mayoral portraits … It was never my intention to have a portrait, and I forgot about the matter.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naymik |first=Mark |date=July 25, 2002 |title=Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist’s Son Says |pages=B2 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}}</ref>” |
The matter remained dormant until 2002 when Cleveland’s 56th mayor, [[Jane L. Campbell|Jane Louise Campbell]], announced a campaign to raise $40,000 to commission a portrait of Kucinich. Kulhanek’s son, James, wrote to Campbell about his father’s portrait and that it was unnecessary for the city to undertake such a costly venture (as a portrait already existed, had met with Kucinich’s approval, and cost the city nothing). Labor leader John Ryan was authorized by the Campbell administration to communicate its stance to James Kulhanek concerning the painting: it was markedly varied in tone, style, and technique to the other portraits as to make it incompatible. When approached for his personal opinion, Kucinich, who was then a congressman, replied that: “The White administration believed it was not in keeping with the style of other mayoral portraits … It was never my intention to have a portrait, and I forgot about the matter.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naymik |first=Mark |date=July 25, 2002 |title=Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist’s Son Says |pages=B2 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}}</ref>” |
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Revision as of 15:57, 27 June 2023
James C. Kulhanek | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Kulhanek by Warren Baumgartner | |
| Born | April 23, 1908 Cleveland, Ohio |
| Died | April 1, 1990 (aged 81) Cleveland, Ohio |
| Education | Cleveland School of Art |
| Known for | Painting, drawing, commercial art |
James Charles Kulhanek (April 23, 1908 – April 1, 1990) was an American commercial artist and designer.
Biography
Václav Kulhánek and Anna Kulhánek, née Veleba, the parents of James C. Kulhanek, were born in Bohemia within Austria-Hungary and settled in Cleveland in the 1900s. James C. Kulhanek was born there on April 23, 1908.[1]
Kulhanek was a student of Henry Keller at the Cleveland School of Art.[2]
Work
Between 1935 and 1942, Kulhanek received Federal Art Project commissions through New Deal Works Progress Administration- sponsored art projects, such as the rendering of several prints of elks, great horned owls,[3] and reindeer, now in the collection of Case Western University.[4][5] He also painted panels to be installed in the hallways of Collinwood[2] and Lincoln High Schools as well as the Federal Courthouse.
Brookside Zoo Incident
In 1938, Kulhanek was a witness to an incident at Brookside Zoo where Judy Zemnick, another WPA artist, was pulled into a polar bear enclosure and clawed. Kulhanek and another artist called for help and tried to drive the bear away from Ms. Zemnick.[6] The incident received extensive press coverage at the time and for two years following.
Portrait of Dennis John Kucinich
In December 1989, 81-year-old Kulhanek discovered that Dennis Kucinich, 53rd mayor of Cleveland, was not represented by a portrait at Cleveland City Hall.[7] Oil portraits of many of Kucinich's peers, mayors long past as well as contemporary, could be found either within the ceremonial Red Room or one of the building’s many office and conference spaces or corridors. Despite the passage of a decade after his administration, a portrait of Kucinich was conspicuously absent.[8]
As no official policy had been established concerning the commissioning of a mayor’s portrait (portraits were not commissioned by residents nor paid for with tax revenue), public contributions and or private funds paid for these artistic undertakings. Regarding a portrait of Kucinich, no individuals or groups had canvassed for funds or seemed likely to do so. Kulhanek became determined to fill that void, gratis.[9]
A versatile artist, Kulhanek had painted recreationally throughout his professional career (of 50 plus years) as a lithographer (Otis Litho), mural painter (for the Federal Works Project), architectural draftsman (Walker and Weeks), advertising artist (for F&S), and an editorial and commercial artist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.[10]
His oils were widely recognized throughout the greater Cleveland area. Thirty-one of his paintings underwent exhibition in the Seventh Floor Picture Gallery of Halle’s Downtown between October 10 and 15, 1977.[11] Another exhibition was mounted between March 5 and 31, 1978, at the Spring Show hosted by the Center Gallery, Parmatown Medical Building.[12]
Officially retired by 1978, Kulhanek painted full-time at his studio off Prospect Street in Berea, Ohio, broadening his oeuvre to include portraits and historical subjects.
Dying of terminal stomach cancer in 1989, wracked by tremendous pain, Kulhanek channeled the last vestiges of his failing strength to the project. Informed by Kulhanek of his proposed undertaking, Kucinich visited the Kulhanek household, posed, and supplied photographs taken of himself during his term as mayor.[13] Taking up his oils, the dying artist was buoyed by the thought of painting the capstone to his career. He envisioned its warm reception, and a grateful citizenry hanging it with pride.[14]
Kulhanek depicted an age-appropriate Kucinich seated at his desk in the mayor’s office. Prominently featured upon the wall behind him was an image of Muny Light (known now as Cleveland Public Power).[15] The artist applied his last brushstroke to the canvas in January 1990 -- two months prior to his death.[16]
A week before Kulhanek died on April 1, 1990, Kucinich visited him a final time.[17]Ken Wood, staff writer for The News Sun (a community newspaper serving five of Cleveland’s suburbs), wrote about Kucinich’s reaction. He was “very humbled” by Kulhanek’s having given “so unselfishly of his considerable talents.” He judged that the artist had a “keen understanding of the values (he) stood for as mayor,” and captured his likeness and communicated the nuances of his term in office, “particularly with respect to the issue of light and power.” He expressed his amenability to it serving as his official portrait (should he be granted that mark of recognition by the sitting administration of Mayor Michael White). Contacting a spokesperson for the White administration, Kucinich related Kulhanek’s epic undertaking, and, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the dying artist’s wish that the portrait (which he was prepared to donate) serve his intended purpose.[18]
Over the course of the ensuing months, Mayor White’s Press Secretary, Alan Seifullah, made inquiries of Kulhanek’s widow, Joyce, and their son, James, about the portrait (which remained untouched at the Kulhanek home). Though the formal acquisition of the painting by the Cleveland municipality, and a public unveiling at city hall were never refused (outright), neither were they certified.[19]
The matter remained dormant until 2002 when Cleveland’s 56th mayor, Jane Louise Campbell, announced a campaign to raise $40,000 to commission a portrait of Kucinich. Kulhanek’s son, James, wrote to Campbell about his father’s portrait and that it was unnecessary for the city to undertake such a costly venture (as a portrait already existed, had met with Kucinich’s approval, and cost the city nothing). Labor leader John Ryan was authorized by the Campbell administration to communicate its stance to James Kulhanek concerning the painting: it was markedly varied in tone, style, and technique to the other portraits as to make it incompatible. When approached for his personal opinion, Kucinich, who was then a congressman, replied that: “The White administration believed it was not in keeping with the style of other mayoral portraits … It was never my intention to have a portrait, and I forgot about the matter.[20]”
References
- ^ "Kulhanek, James Charles". Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Case Western Reserve University. October 25, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ a b Cullinan, Helen (March 19, 1978). "Downtown Scene - Three Painters: James C. Kulhanek". The Plain Dealer. p. 131. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
- ^ Brent (June 8, 2018). "New Deal Bird Art (6/10): "Great Horned Owl"". New Deal of the Day. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "Figures In Zoo Tragedy and Rescue of Artist from Bear". Plain Dealer. October 27, 1938. p. 1. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "Work Progress Administration: Prints of the Federal Arts Project". Case Western Reserve University. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "Clawed 15 Minutes by Bear, Girl Artist to Live but Lose Eye". The Plain Dealer. October 27, 1938. p. 1. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ Wood, Ken (February 22, 1980). "Eighty-two-year-old Artist Still Going Strong". The News Sun. p. 1.
- ^ Bartimole, Roldo (August 16–22, 1990). "The Mayor Who Wasn't There: When Will City Hall Hang Kucinich's Portrait?". Cleveland Edition. Vol. 5 (43 ed.). p. 5.
- ^ Bartimole, Roldo (August 16–22, 1990). "The Mayor Who Wasn't There: When will City Hall Hang Kucinich's Portrait?". Cleveland Edition. Vol. 5 (43 ed.). p. 5.
- ^ Cullinan, Helen (March 19, 1978). "Downtown Scene – Three Painters". Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer). p. 131.
- ^ "It's Happening at Halle's: James Kulhanek". Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer). September 25, 1977. p. 2.
- ^ "Art: Area Openings Today". Plain Dealer (published as Sunday Plain Dealer. March 5, 1978. p. 112.
- ^ Naymik, Mark (July 25, 2002). "Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist's Son Says". Cleveland Plain Dealer. pp. B2.
- ^ Wood, Ken (February 22, 1980). "Eighty-two-year-old Artist Still Going Strong". The News Sun. p. 1.
- ^ Wood, Ken (September 20, 1990). "Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait". The News Sun. pp. A1, A7.
- ^ Naymik, Mark (July 25, 2002). "Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist's Son Says". Cleveland Plain Dealer. pp. B2.
- ^ Wood, Ken (September 20, 1990). "Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait". The News Sun. pp. A1, A7.
- ^ Wood, Ken (February 22, 1980). "Eighty-two-year-old Artist Still Going Strong". The News Sun. p. 1.
- ^ Wood, Kevin (September 20, 1990). "Tribute to Human Spirit: Administration Balks at Unveiling Kucinich Portrait". The News Sun. pp. A1, A7.
- ^ Naymik, Mark (July 25, 2002). "Metro Diary: On Politics - Portrait of a Young Mayor Already Exists, Artist's Son Says". Cleveland Plain Dealer. pp. B2.
Selected works
