Monday, April 15th at 6:00 pm CDT, Reception 5:30-7:00
April 15th marks the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s death. Evansville artist John Helfrich is remarkably skilled at creating technically accurate and realistic oil paintings, and he recently completed a new portrait of Lincoln, the beloved 16th President of the United States of America.
The unveiling of Helfrich’s most recent Lincoln portrait will take place at Inman’s Picture Framing, 2828 Lincoln Avenue in Evansville on Monday, April 15th. Doors open at 5:30 pm CDT for this very special event, with the art being unveiled at 6:00 pm CDT.
Helfrich’s most recent Lincoln oil painting was collected quickly at Inman’s, where it was on exhibit. A fortunate and astute art collector purchased it shortly after it was first displayed in the gallery.
Abraham Lincoln lived in nearby Spencer County, Indiana from age 7 through 21. He was a self-taught lawyer and is regarded as one of the greatest U.S. presidents, was an opponent of slavery, and successfully led the Union during the Civil War.
John Helfrich is a self-taught artist whose paintings display true elegance. He says, “Being diagnosed as agoraphobic, painting has provided me a way to connect with humanity that would otherwise be impossible for me. I have no achievements in competition to boast of. To me, competitions involving artists tend to breed animosity in an environment where we must raise each other up, not prove we are better. The look of true appreciation, excitement, or love in the eyes of a recipient of one of my paintings brings a higher premium than any dollar amount or number of ribbons ever could.”