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==Early life==
==Early life==
Sidney Simon was born May 21, 1917 in [[Pittsburgh]], Pennsylvania. His interest in at began at an early age. Aged five, Simon won an art contest.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/63913924/?terms=simon|title=31 Mar 1967, Page 24 - The Morning Herald at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref> Simon's father was James Simon a shoe store merchant<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/148901986/?terms=James+Simon+shoe+store|title=29 Jul 1955, Page 5 - The Pittsburgh Press at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> who immigrated, in 1912, from an area between Siedlce and Sokołów Podlaski in [[Poland]] then Russia. Simon's mother was Mimmie Lipman who immigrated  in 1913 with her family from [[Kalvarija, Lithuania|Kalvarija]], Marijampolė County, southwestern Lithuania, near Poland's border area then under Russian rule.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/258170905/?terms=Lithuania+Soviet+War|title=15 May 1918, 5 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref> The James and Mimmie Simon's marriage produced five children, Leon, Sidney, Helen Judith, Leon Jacob, David Irving. Mimmie Lipman's father's Americanized name was "Max Lipman" shortened from his European name which was Avram Michael Lipmanovitch. 1930 US census states Simon's family resided in the [[Squirrel Hill (Pittsburgh)|Squirrel Hill]], an east end Pittsburgh neighborhood at 2766 Beechwood Boulevard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/156645514/person/102060577585/facts|title=1930 United States Federal Census|last=|first=|date=1930|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> Simon  attended [[Taylor Allderdice High School]] in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1936 Taylor Allderdice High School honored Simon with a never before one-man art exhibit of the young artist works. At this time missing from the exhibit was an award-winning sculpture titled "Mother Earth" which was on tour with the [[National Scholastic Art Exhibit]]. The sculpture won Simon a 1-year scholarship to [[Dayton Art Institute]]. At this time Simon also won a John L. Porter Scholarship for two months summer study at Carnegie Institute of Technology, (now [[Carnegie Mellon University]]). After high school Simon attended Carnegie Institute of Technology earning a Bachelor of fine Arts, years 1931-36.
Sidney Simon was born May 21, 1917 in [[Pittsburgh]], Pennsylvania. His interest in at began at an early age, Simon won an art contest.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/63913924/?terms=simon|title=31 Mar 1967, Page 24 - The Morning Herald at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref> Simon's father was James Simon a shoe store merchant<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/148901986/?terms=James+Simon+shoe+store|title=29 Jul 1955, Page 5 - The Pittsburgh Press at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> who immigrated, in 1912, from an area between Siedlce and Sokołów Podlaski in [[Poland]] then Russia. Simon's mother was Minnie Lipman who immigrated  in 1913 with her family from [[Kalvarija, Lithuania|Kalvarija]], Marijampolė County, southwestern Lithuania, near Poland's border area then under Russian rule.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/258170905/?terms=Lithuania+Soviet+War|title=15 May 1918, 5 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref> The James and Minnie Simon's marriage produced four children, Sidney A., Helen Judith, Leon Jacob, David Irving. Minnie Lipman's father's Americanized name was "Max Lipman" shortened from his European name which was Avram Michael Lipmanovitch. 1930 US census states Simon's family resided in the [[Squirrel Hill (Pittsburgh)|Squirrel Hill]], an east end Pittsburgh neighborhood at 2766 Beechwood Boulevard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/156645514/person/102060577585/facts|title=1930 United States Federal Census|last=|first=|date=1930|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> Simon attended [[Taylor Allderdice High School]] in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1936 Taylor Allderdice High School honored Simon with a never before one-man art exhibit of the young artist works. At this time missing from the exhibit was an award-winning sculpture titled "Mother Earth" which was on tour with the [[National Scholastic Art Exhibit]]. The sculpture won Simon a 1 year scholarship to [[Dayton Art Institute]]. At this time Simon also won a John L. Porter Scholarship for two months summer study at Carnegie Institute of Technology. (now [[Carnegie Mellon University]]).


== Education ==
== Education ==
Simon attended [[Taylor Allderdice High School]] in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At an early age, Simon's art potential was already recognized by his teachers when several of his works toured with the [[National Scholastic Art Exhibit]]. One sculpture, titled "Mother Earth", was part of nine pieces on tour gained special recognition, thus rewarding Simon a one-year scholarship to Dayton Art Institution, and a John L. Porter Scholarship which afforded Simon two months of study at Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1936, Taylor Allderdice High School honored Simon with a one-man show when they lined their halls with his works in the only one man show given to one student up until that time.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/88911162/?terms=sidney%2Bsimon|title=ALLDERDICE BOY'S ARTWORKS SHOWN Paintings,' Sketches And Sculpture in Exhibit.|last=|first=|date=10 June 1936|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref> After completing secondary education, Simon attended Carnegie Tech from 1931 to 1936,<ref name=":5" /> earned his bachelor's in fine arts from the [[Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts]], <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/147886624/?terms=sidney+simon+artist|title=13 Jan 1944, Page 25 - The Pittsburgh Press at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref>[[University of Pennsylvania]], <ref name=":6" />where he enrolled between 1936 and 1941.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cmu.edu/about/history.html|title=History - CMU - Carnegie Mellon University|website=www.cmu.edu|access-date=2019-01-16}}</ref> Simon also studied at the [[Barnes Foundation]] of [[Merion, Pennsylvania]], between 1937 and 1940,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/162492610/?terms=Barnes+Foundation+sidney+simon|title=6 Apr 1956, Page 6 - The Journal News at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref> as well as the [[Académie de la Grande Chaumière]],<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=https://history.army.mil/html/books/epubs/art_of_the_american_soldier/army_of_am_soldier.pdf|title=Art of the American Soldier|last=Klish|first=Renée|date=June 11, 2019|website=|page=280|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> in Paris, France, from 1948 to 1949.
Simon attended [[Taylor Allderdice High School]] in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At an early age, Simon's art potential was already recognized by his teachers when several of his works toured with the [[National Scholastic Art Exhibit]]. One sculpture, titled "Mother Earth", was part of nine pieces on tour gained special recognition, thus rewarding Simon a one-year scholarship to Dayton Art Institution, and a John L. Porter Scholarship which afforded Simon two months of study at Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1936, Taylor Allderdice High School honored Simon with a one-man show when they lined their halls with his works in the only one man show given to one student up until that time.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/88911162/?terms=sidney%2Bsimon|title=ALLDERDICE BOY'S ARTWORKS SHOWN Paintings,' Sketches And Sculpture in Exhibit.|last=|first=|date=10 June 1936|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref> After completing secondary education, Simon attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1931 to 1936, [6] while there Simon earned his bachelor in fine arts. During this time period, Simon also studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, plus, Simon studied, 2 years at [[Barnes Foundation|The Barnes Foundation]] of [[Merion, Pennsylvania]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/162492610/?terms=Barnes+Foundation+sidney+simon|title=6 Apr 1956, Page 6 - The Journal News at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref> <ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=https://history.army.mil/html/books/epubs/art_of_the_american_soldier/army_of_am_soldier.pdf|title=Art of the American Soldier|last=Klish|first=Renée|date=June 11, 2019|website=|page=280|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> Post World War II Simon studied and attended classes at, The [[Académie de la Grande Chaumière]], in Paris, France. <ref name=":9" />


== Military service ==
== Military service ==
Simon enlisted U.S. Army November 11, 1942,<ref>U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010</ref> he rose to rank of Captain.<ref name=":9" /> Officer Simon serving as Captain in the Army Corps of Engineers, Private Simon age 25 then stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia art talent became recognized. Simon headed and develop and a special service branch referred to as Morale Division. This experimental art and design pioneer test pilot project lead the way for other similar morale project throughout the military. Simon's Morale division was task with improving the appeal of the recreation center with Murals and other appointments even down to the drapers.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/90013206/|title=7 Jul 1942, Page 19 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at Newspapers.com|last=Hagy|first=Robert, R|date=|website=Newspapers.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-03-03}}</ref> Simon and Willard W.Cummings along with two other artist later co-founder of The [[Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture]].<ref name=":1" /> Officer Simon served 2 1/ 2 years, March 1943 - October 1945 as an Official American war artist assigned to [[Douglas MacArthur|General Douglas MacArthur]]'s headquarter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/171463033/?terms=%22sidney+simon%22++MacArthur|title=26 May 1946, Page 34 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> Simon plus three other artists of his art unit covered major operations in New Guinea and the Philippines during [[South West Pacific Theater of World War II|Southwest Pacific Theater]] operation.<ref name=":2" /> His duties included painting and drawing and doing field reconnaissance intelligence. Simon was chosen to paint the formal surrender ceremony as witnessed September 2, 1945 in [[Tokyo Bay]] aboard battleship [[USS Missouri (BB-63)|USS ''Missouri'']].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/theydrewfire/gallery/small/125.html| title= They Drew Fire - Combat Artists of World War II | website= [[PBS]] | accessdate = February 7, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/163760492/?terms=sidney+Simon+new+City+will+exhibit|title=20 Jan 1955, Page 6 - The Journal News at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/4685/images_of_post_world_war_ii_japan|title=Images of Post World War II Japan|website=www.army.mil|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> referred to as [[Victory over Japan Day|V-J Day]], ending WWII.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/380705959/?terms=japs+have+surrendered+aboard+Missouri|title=2 Sep 1945, 2 - The Los Angeles Times at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> This historical painting is reported to have hung in the White House.<ref name=":8" /> Simon was discharged and released April 19, 1946.
Simon enlisted U.S. Army November 11, 1942,<ref>U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010</ref> he rose to rank of Captain,<ref name=":9" /> and serving in the Army Corps of Engineers. Private Simon at age 25 then stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Simon's art talent became recognizedand Simon was tasked with heading and develop and a special service branch referred to as Morale Division. This experimental art and design pioneer test pilot project lead the way for other similar morale project throughout the military. Simon's Morale division was task with improving the appeal of the recreation center with murals and other appointments even down to the drapers.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/90013206/|title=7 Jul 1942, Page 19 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at Newspapers.com|last=Hagy|first=Robert, R|date=|website=Newspapers.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-03-03}}</ref> It was while Simon was stationed at Fort Belvoir, that Simon, met and worked with fellow soldier, Willard W.Cummings,<ref name=":2" /> whom was also part of this Morale Division art detail. Simon and Cummings would later, along with two other artist, later co-founder The [[Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture]].<ref name=":1" /> This School was conceived during these four founders war years. From March 1943 - October 1945, Captain Simon served 2 1/ 2 years as an [[Official American war Artist]] and was assigned to [[Douglas MacArthur|General Douglas MacArthur]]'s headquarter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/171463033/?terms=%22sidney+simon%22++MacArthur|title=26 May 1946, Page 34 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> Simon plus three other artists of his art unit covered major operations in New Guinea, and the Philippines, during the [[South West Pacific Theater of World War II]] operations.<ref name=":2" /> His duties included painting and drawing and doing field reconnaissance intelligence. Simon was chosen to paint the formal surrender ceremony as witnessed September 2, 1945 in [[Tokyo Bay]] aboard battleship [[USS Missouri (BB-63)|USS ''Missouri'']].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/theydrewfire/gallery/small/125.html| title= They Drew Fire - Combat Artists of World War II | website= [[PBS]] | accessdate = February 7, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/163760492/?terms=sidney+Simon+new+City+will+exhibit|title=20 Jan 1955, Page 6 - The Journal News at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/4685/images_of_post_world_war_ii_japan|title=Images of Post World War II Japan|website=www.army.mil|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> referred to as [[Victory over Japan Day|V-J Day]], ending WWII.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/380705959/?terms=japs+have+surrendered+aboard+Missouri|title=2 Sep 1945, 2 - The Los Angeles Times at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> This historical painting is reported to have hung in the White House.<ref name=":8" /> Simon was discharged and released April 19, 1946.


== Post-military career ==
== Post-military career ==
Simon along with artist Willard W. Cummings (1915-1975), [[Henry Varnum Poor (designer)|Henry Varnum Poor]] (1888-1971), and Charles Cutler (1914-1970), sensing emergence of the [[New York School (art)|New York School]] influence the four artists found and developed Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture located in [[Madison, Maine|Madison]], [[Maine]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27582961/newspaper_clipping/|title=Skowhegan Art School Ready for 22d Season|last=Ayer|first=Carolyn|date=June 4, 1967|work=The Boston Sunday Globe|access-date=January 24, 2019|month=|year=|publication-date=June 4, 1967|page=163}}</ref> Central to a public plaza at One Worldwide Plaza, Simon created and sculptured a fountain consisting of four female holding up a stylized earth globe, titled "The Four Seasons"<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/08/arts/sidney-simon-sculptor-80-founded-school.html?src=pm New York Times 1997 Aug 8] Simon obituary</ref> <ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=152085|title=NEW YORK {{!}} Worldwide Plaza {{!}} 778 FT / 237 M {{!}} 49 FLOORS {{!}} 1989 - SkyscraperPage Forum|website=forum.skyscraperpage.com|access-date=2019-03-12}}</ref>
Simon along with artist Willard W. Cummings (1915-1975), [[Henry Varnum Poor (designer)|Henry Varnum Poor]] (1888-1971), and Charles Cutler (1914-1970), sensing emergence of the [[New York School (art)|New York School]] influence these four artists to follow through with their plans to ultimately developed and found The [[Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture]] located in [[Madison, Maine|Madison]], [[Maine]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27582961/newspaper_clipping/|title=Skowhegan Art School Ready for 22d Season|last=Ayer|first=Carolyn|date=June 4, 1967|work=The Boston Sunday Globe|access-date=January 24, 2019|month=|year=|publication-date=June 4, 1967|page=163}}</ref> Simon created and sculptured a fountain consisting of four female holding up a stylized earth globe, titled "The Four Seasons" located, central to a public plaza at [[One Worldwide Plaza]], <ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/08/arts/sidney-simon-sculptor-80-founded-school.html?src=pm New York Times 1997 Aug 8] Simon obituary</ref> <ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=152085|title=NEW YORK {{!}} Worldwide Plaza {{!}} 778 FT / 237 M {{!}} 49 FLOORS {{!}} 1989 - SkyscraperPage Forum|website=forum.skyscraperpage.com|access-date=2019-03-12}}</ref>


== Death ==
== Death ==
Sidney Simon died on August 4, 1997, at the age of 80 in [[Truro, Massachusetts]]. Simon's first marriage, to Joan E Lewisohn, with whom he had five children, ended in divorce. Simon's second marriage in 1968 was to Renee Adriance in [[Manhattan]], [[New York City]]. At Simon's passing, he was survived by Renee Lane Adriance Simon, and two children, including Tony Simon, who performs as [[Blockhead (music producer)|Blockhead]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/441268939/?terms=Sidney+Simon,+Sculptor,+80;+Founded+School|title=6 Aug 1997, 59 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com|last=Tom|first=Long|date=|website=Newspapers.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-03-13}}</ref>
Sidney Simon died on August 4, 1997, at the age of 80 in [[Truro, Massachusetts]]. Simon's first marriage, to Joan E Lewisohn, ended in divorce. At his death, Mr. Simon was survived by the five child from this marriage; Mark Simon, Teru Simon, Rachael Simon,Nora Simon and June Simon Duenas. Mr. Simon's second marriage in 1968, was to Renee Adriance, in [[Manhattan]], [[New York City]]. At Simon's passing, he was survived by his wife, Renee Lane Adriance Simon, and two children, Nick Simon. and Tony Simon. Tony Simon performs as [[Blockhead (music producer)|Blockhead]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/441268939/?terms=Sidney+Simon,+Sculptor,+80;+Founded+School|title=6 Aug 1997, 59 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com|last=Tom|first=Long|date=|website=Newspapers.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-03-13}}</ref>


== Notable works ==
== Notable works ==


* Painting of the signing of peace treaty between the United States of America and Japan, aboard the USS Missouri.<ref name=":0" /> <ref name=":8" />
* Painting of the signing of peace treaty between the United States of America and Japan, aboard the USS Missouri.<ref name=":0" /> <ref name=":8" /> <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/63913924/?terms=simon|title=31 Mar 1967, Page 24 - The Morning Herald at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref>


*[[:File:Worldwide-plaza-fountain-small.jpg|The Four Seasons Fountain]] on the public plaza located at [[One Worldwide Plaza]], New York, New York.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/08/arts/sidney-simon-sculptor-80-founded-school.html|title=Sidney Simon, Sculptor, 80; Founded School|last=Dobrzynski|first=Judith H.|date=1997-08-08|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-03-10|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":7" />
*[[:File:Worldwide-plaza-fountain-small.jpg|The Four Seasons Fountain]], on the public plaza located at [[One Worldwide Plaza]], New York, New York.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/08/arts/sidney-simon-sculptor-80-founded-school.html|title=Sidney Simon, Sculptor, 80; Founded School|last=Dobrzynski|first=Judith H.|date=1997-08-08|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-03-10|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":7" />
*[[South Solon Meetinghouse]] mural, South Solon, Maine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/505051755/?terms=%22South+Solon+Meeting+House%22+sidney+simon|title=11 Nov 2012, T2 - The Record at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref>
*[[South Solon Meetinghouse]] mural, South Solon, Maine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/505051755/?terms=%22South+Solon+Meeting+House%22+sidney+simon|title=11 Nov 2012, T2 - The Record at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref>
*Designed by Sidney Simon; [[Council of Churches of the City of New York#The Family of Man Medallion|The Family of Man Medallion]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/library/document/0126/42219580.pdf|title=Annual Presentation of the 11th FAMILY OF MAN"AWARDS to President Gerald R. Ford|last=|first=|date=1975-11-16|website=1975 FAMILY OF MAN AWARDS CEREMONIES|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref>


== Professional associations. ==
== Professional associations. ==

Revision as of 00:26, 13 June 2019

Sidney Simon
The Four Seasons Fountain on the public plaza located at One Worldwide Plaza, New York, New York
The Four Seasons Fountain Sculpture located at One Worldwide Plaza, New York, New York
Born(1917-05-21)May 21, 1917
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
DiedAugust 4, 1997(1997-08-04) (aged 80)
Truro, Massachusetts
NationalityAmerican
Other namesSid Simon
EducationBachelor of fine Arts
Alma materCarnegie Institute of Technology
OccupationArtist
Years active1938-1997
EraNew York School (art)
Known forAmerican official war artist
Notable work
  • U.S. and Japan WWII peace treaty signing aboard the U.S.S. Missouri
  • The Four Seasons Fountain Sculpture
StylePainting, Sculpture
Military career
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1942-1946
RankCaptain
Battles/warsSouth West Pacific Theatre of World War II
Awards
  • Bronze Star

Sidney A. Simon (May 21, 1917 – August 4, 1997) was an American painter, sculptor, muralist, art school co-founder, and American official war artist.

Early life

Sidney Simon was born May 21, 1917 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His interest in at began at an early age, Simon won an art contest.[1] Simon's father was James Simon a shoe store merchant[2] who immigrated, in 1912, from an area between Siedlce and Sokołów Podlaski in Poland then Russia. Simon's mother was Minnie Lipman who immigrated  in 1913 with her family from Kalvarija, Marijampolė County, southwestern Lithuania, near Poland's border area then under Russian rule.[3] The James and Minnie Simon's marriage produced four children, Sidney A., Helen Judith, Leon Jacob, David Irving. Minnie Lipman's father's Americanized name was "Max Lipman" shortened from his European name which was Avram Michael Lipmanovitch. 1930 US census states Simon's family resided in the Squirrel Hill, an east end Pittsburgh neighborhood at 2766 Beechwood Boulevard.[4] Simon attended Taylor Allderdice High School in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1936 Taylor Allderdice High School honored Simon with a never before one-man art exhibit of the young artist works. At this time missing from the exhibit was an award-winning sculpture titled "Mother Earth" which was on tour with the National Scholastic Art Exhibit. The sculpture won Simon a 1 year scholarship to Dayton Art Institute. At this time Simon also won a John L. Porter Scholarship for two months summer study at Carnegie Institute of Technology. (now Carnegie Mellon University).

Education

Simon attended Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At an early age, Simon's art potential was already recognized by his teachers when several of his works toured with the National Scholastic Art Exhibit. One sculpture, titled "Mother Earth", was part of nine pieces on tour gained special recognition, thus rewarding Simon a one-year scholarship to Dayton Art Institution, and a John L. Porter Scholarship which afforded Simon two months of study at Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1936, Taylor Allderdice High School honored Simon with a one-man show when they lined their halls with his works in the only one man show given to one student up until that time.[5] After completing secondary education, Simon attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1931 to 1936, [6] while there Simon earned his bachelor in fine arts. During this time period, Simon also studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, plus, Simon studied, 2 years at The Barnes Foundation of Merion, Pennsylvania. [6] [7] Post World War II Simon studied and attended classes at, The Académie de la Grande Chaumière, in Paris, France. [7]

Military service

Simon enlisted U.S. Army November 11, 1942,[8] he rose to rank of Captain,[7] and serving in the Army Corps of Engineers. Private Simon at age 25 then stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Simon's art talent became recognizedand Simon was tasked with heading and develop and a special service branch referred to as Morale Division. This experimental art and design pioneer test pilot project lead the way for other similar morale project throughout the military. Simon's Morale division was task with improving the appeal of the recreation center with murals and other appointments even down to the drapers.[9] It was while Simon was stationed at Fort Belvoir, that Simon, met and worked with fellow soldier, Willard W.Cummings,[9] whom was also part of this Morale Division art detail. Simon and Cummings would later, along with two other artist, later co-founder The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.[10] This School was conceived during these four founders war years. From March 1943 - October 1945, Captain Simon served 2 1/ 2 years as an Official American war Artist and was assigned to General Douglas MacArthur's headquarter.[11] Simon plus three other artists of his art unit covered major operations in New Guinea, and the Philippines, during the South West Pacific Theater of World War II operations.[9] His duties included painting and drawing and doing field reconnaissance intelligence. Simon was chosen to paint the formal surrender ceremony as witnessed September 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay aboard battleship USS Missouri.[12][13][14] referred to as V-J Day, ending WWII.[15] This historical painting is reported to have hung in the White House.[13] Simon was discharged and released April 19, 1946.

Post-military career

Simon along with artist Willard W. Cummings (1915-1975), Henry Varnum Poor (1888-1971), and Charles Cutler (1914-1970), sensing emergence of the New York School influence these four artists to follow through with their plans to ultimately developed and found The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture located in Madison, Maine.[10] Simon created and sculptured a fountain consisting of four female holding up a stylized earth globe, titled "The Four Seasons" located, central to a public plaza at One Worldwide Plaza, [16] [17]

Death

Sidney Simon died on August 4, 1997, at the age of 80 in Truro, Massachusetts. Simon's first marriage, to Joan E Lewisohn, ended in divorce. At his death, Mr. Simon was survived by the five child from this marriage; Mark Simon, Teru Simon, Rachael Simon,Nora Simon and June Simon Duenas. Mr. Simon's second marriage in 1968, was to Renee Adriance, in Manhattan, New York City. At Simon's passing, he was survived by his wife, Renee Lane Adriance Simon, and two children, Nick Simon. and Tony Simon. Tony Simon performs as Blockhead.[18]

Notable works

  • Painting of the signing of peace treaty between the United States of America and Japan, aboard the USS Missouri.[12] [13] [19]

Professional associations.

References

  1. ^ "31 Mar 1967, Page 24 - The Morning Herald at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  2. ^ "29 Jul 1955, Page 5 - The Pittsburgh Press at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
  3. ^ "15 May 1918, 5 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  4. ^ "1930 United States Federal Census". 1930. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  5. ^ "ALLDERDICE BOY'S ARTWORKS SHOWN Paintings,' Sketches And Sculpture in Exhibit". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 10 June 1936. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  6. ^ "6 Apr 1956, Page 6 - The Journal News at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  7. ^ a b c Klish, Renée (June 11, 2019). "Art of the American Soldier" (PDF). p. 280. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  8. ^ U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
  9. ^ a b c Hagy, Robert, R. "7 Jul 1942, Page 19 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-03. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ a b Ayer, Carolyn (June 4, 1967). "Skowhegan Art School Ready for 22d Season". The Boston Sunday Globe. p. 163. Retrieved January 24, 2019. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help)
  11. ^ "26 May 1946, Page 34 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
  12. ^ a b "They Drew Fire - Combat Artists of World War II". PBS. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c "20 Jan 1955, Page 6 - The Journal News at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  14. ^ "Images of Post World War II Japan". www.army.mil. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
  15. ^ "2 Sep 1945, 2 - The Los Angeles Times at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
  16. ^ New York Times 1997 Aug 8 Simon obituary
  17. ^ a b "NEW YORK | Worldwide Plaza | 778 FT / 237 M | 49 FLOORS | 1989 - SkyscraperPage Forum". forum.skyscraperpage.com. Retrieved 2019-03-12.
  18. ^ Tom, Long. "6 Aug 1997, 59 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-13. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  19. ^ "31 Mar 1967, Page 24 - The Morning Herald at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  20. ^ Dobrzynski, Judith H. (1997-08-08). "Sidney Simon, Sculptor, 80; Founded School". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  21. ^ "11 Nov 2012, T2 - The Record at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  22. ^ "Annual Presentation of the 11th FAMILY OF MAN"AWARDS to President Gerald R. Ford" (PDF). 1975 FAMILY OF MAN AWARDS CEREMONIES. 1975-11-16. Retrieved 2019-06-12. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  23. ^ "Exhibition here by Sidney Simon to open Monday". The Morning Herald. 31 Mar 1967. Retrieved 14 Jan 2019.
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