It was my fourth or fifth trip to Anchorage. This time it was to deliver a painting, actually nine paintings, that would become one big mural. It was for a new youth center, part of an active effort by Muldoon Community Assembly Church to confront the quicksand of negative influences all around.
Click for larger view.
Here’s the spot where many high-end homes were lost in the still well-remembered earthquake of 1964. In the distance is the end of the Rocky Mountains. Looking at the majestic landscape you wouldn’t think there are any negative influences to address. But a closer look shows another side.
I opted to paint in acrylic on unprimed canvas. As my studio wall is just 9 ft. and the canvases 12 ft., I rolled the canvas up on a stick as I went.
It was just six or eight weeks earlier that I got the call. A new building was about to be finished and they thought a big piece of art would be fitting . . . if I had any ideas. I didn’t until then, but all one needs is a challenge to get the mind working. My challenge, however, was nothing compared to what Pastor Kent Redfearn and his staff are trying to address in racially diverse and beautiful but crime-prone east Anchorage where they are.
A challenge in painting this way was the canvas wrinkling, to be solved later.
The idea was to paint children from many cultures. I researched and and gathered about four times as many images as I’d use. Many overlap with nationalities found at the church. There are Nigerians in the church, for example, even if they don’t dress like those in Africa (above).
All nine of the pieces started out this way, drawn in charcoal, then rolled up and brought back to the studio.
Though I could paint in my studio, a section at a time, I needed another place to make the drawings. I got use of a school gym in the evenings (or once, 2:00 a.m. until dawn). Sorry, I have no photo of me here to show the scale, but I was working alone (something wife Anne worried about as I was up on those 10 ft. ladders with makeshift scaffold).
It was a big job just making the stretcher bars (the “inner frame) for this project.
A primary reason to paint on unstretched canvas was to be able to ship inexpensively (relatively speaking). Here are the nine canvases as they came out of the box at the other end, along with one of the stretcher bar units, prepared by staff there.
Note those wrinkles, which had to go.
Here is a painting being unrolled for positioning. Afterward it was turned over and worked on from the reverse side.
Canvas stretching pliers, staple guns, and lots of arm and finger strength is all it takes. And a good sense of humor.
It was an all day job, with some six people participating at one time or another, to get the pieces stretched. As we’d finish each one we’d congratulate ourselves on how good it looked . . . not the art, but how flat and taut the canvas was. (For any parts not so, we’d redo.)
Eskimo Child, 12’x5.5′.
As the name implies, The East Anchorage Development Center is not just church related. It’s for the community, with high school age kids in mind particularly.
Tibetan Duo, 12’x7′.
It’s a multi-cultured area. Within two miles of the church in each direction are two of the most ethnically diverse high schools in the nation.
El Salvadorian Boys and Bike, 12’x7′.
One of the goals of the youth center is to reduce the attractiveness of gang participation and membership. Having more options for kids is part of it, and community.
Nigerian Threesome, 12’x7′.
Statistics show the east Anchorage area as having the highest sex crime rate per capita in the United States. It’s another reason to focus on young people, to bring positive influence and care.
Laos Duo, 12’x7′.
Another problem is dropping out of high school. One of the goals of the center is to use many means to positively affect the trend.
Nepal Boys, 12’x7′.
The after school programs to be held at the center are yet to begin, the building just now reaching completion. The big mural was literally the final touch.
Thai Soccer Boys, 12’x7′.
Soccer, a world-wide sport, is just one of the connections between people of every age. With the center there will be more.
Siberia Girls, 12’x7′.
I couldn’t help but be drawn to a couple races from the cold climates, being a painting in Alaska. But there are warmer regions represented too.
Ecuadorian Siblings, 12’x5.5′.
Here’s the far right panel, the only one I signed, not all nine. That indicates (at least to me) that this is all one painting.
Where’s Waldo?
Here’s the piece, almost finished, leaning against the opposite wall from where it will hang, before I painted in a “horizon line” to draw it all together. The two end pieces were ultimately switched to better accommodate a heating duct.
I was grateful for the precision care of the crew mounting the separate pieces to the wall.
Every space should have a soul. Perhaps the painting of all the children from around the world will remind those using the room they are not alone, that racial diversity is God-authored, and though people can be poor, they can be happy.
Fixing a spot.
I brought my paints just in case, for the sake of final touches here and there.
The final mural, 12 feet tall by 57 feet wide. (Click to enlarge.)
It’s safe to say this is my largest painting yet. You’ve seen paintings done on three canvases. That’s called a triptych. When it’s on more, it’s a polyptych, or, as this one is on nine canvas, that should make this a triple triptych (which I think is a whole new concept).
In the end, Pastor Kent named it, Jesus Loves the Little Children. Good title. I know a lot of love went into its making, and I trust a lot will show through as it shines down on everybody that uses that room for many years to come.
Here’s a time lapse of the installation. (Click on the little arrows to enlarge.)
2:02 pm
Hyatt, you continually amaze me. What a project and what a story! Congratulations on making a difference in such a grand way.
2:09 pm
So, so cool. and generous!
Hyatt, have you considered entering a painting in the Grand Rapids, MI “Art Prize”? It’s both public vote and juried awarded. The public has always voted in favor of LARGE pieces it seems. I love coming to Grand Rapids during “Art Prize”! (Sept 23 – Oct 11, 2015)
3:31 pm
I drove all the way to Canada to see your “Last Supper” painting up close and personal (2nd biggest?) Now am I going to have to go to Alaska to get a first hand glimpse of this “triple trip tyich (say that three times!) Your biggest and best yet, big brother! I wept with excitement and joy as viewed the video (of course you know how music touches me deeply, just as art touches you — but the impact of the two together overwhelmed me!) So proud of my brother for what He’s doing for the kingdom of God!
3:51 pm
That is absolutely amazing and gets the point across for all the children of the world……..
Love, it.
4:06 pm
What an amazing accomplishment! These panels are the heart and soul of that facility. The vision for healing and recovery comes through in a beautiful way. How grateful this community must be. Thanks for sharing!
4:37 pm
Of course, I amazed again. Jusst undertaking such a project shows courage, generosity and talent.. Alll of which you have in gobs. Thanks for the info and pictures. It’s simply awesome.
5:53 pm
This is just unbelievable! Where do you get your energy? God has blessed you beyond measure…and your lovely wife, too.
Hope to see you again one of these days… if you ever come back to stay with Michael and Judy.
Congrats on yet another gorgeous work!
Susan Morrison
Otter Rock, OR
5:53 pm
I love the way you have integrated all different ethnic groups to make one body of believers.
6:36 pm
Hyatt, What a wonderful project! The triple trip tyich certainly promotes tolerance and respect for all cultures in the community. Bravo!
6:41 pm
This is stunning!! You never cease to amaze me, Hyatt.
8:48 pm
It is awesome to have your fabulous work in Alaska. Anchorage is fortunate to display your sensitive painting in the new center. I am from Anchorage. I love my city. Along with the unfortunate stats there is an immense amount of good going on. Thanks Hyatt for bringing this beautiful and touching piece to Anchorage.
7:28 am
Hyatt!!!! WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You simply are the most amazing artist!!!!! God bless you for the message as well and for sharing your talent in such an amazing way! This is what I was hoping to see you accomplish in your lifetime! Sharing those huge paintings of people with different ethnicity!! These large paintings of children with their ethnic costumes on, with such great movement and purpose exhibited in each one is just wonderful!! Well, saying the word wonderful does not describe this fantastic, amazing, gorgeous work you have accomplished! God right through you!! AMAZING!! Loved the video too! Blessings! Lisa
2:41 pm
I am so happy that you are documenting the stories of how these paintings come about and pictures of them in the different stages of development. It’s especially inspiring to learn of your motivation behind why you are doing it and the people who get to enjoy them. You are definitely making the world a more beautiful place…..
4:27 pm
I really enjoyed getting to know you and becoming friends with you while completing this project. Thank you so much for taking this project on! It turned out beautiful.
5:40 pm
How impressive Hyatt!!!! Bravo!!!
6:06 pm
Tremendous!! Well done Hyatt!
6:08 pm
Hyatt, you are a conduit of love from a higher spirit-power! May your special gift comfort and guide children everywhere in the world.
12:47 pm
W. O. W.