Former Gov. Ted Strickland’s portrait was unveiled Tuesday and will hang in the Ohio Statehouse.
“Ohio is a beautiful state and the people of Ohio reflect the best of America,” Strickland said. “I came from the hills of southern Ohio and began my education in a one-room school house. And yet, I’ve had the honor to serve as Ohio’s 68th governor. That was only possible because of the myriads of people who cared for me: my wife Frances, my family, my friends, my teachers, my hardworking staff and the thousands of Ohioans who joined me in working to strengthen our state in difficult times. To them, and to all the people of Ohio, I am very grateful.”
Portraits of Ohio governors are traditionally painted at the end of a governor’s term or shortly thereafter. Rutherford B. Hayes, who served from 1868 to 1872 and again from 1876 to 1877, is attributed with beginning the collection of portraits. In 1867.
“A portrait is fine to show us just how a person looks, but little more. In respect to looks, I think Ted will compare very, very favorably with the long list of his gubernatorial predecessors whose portraits are already on display,” said Sen. John Glenn during the ceremony. “But in analyzing the man — beyond the pictures, the characters, judgment, and lifelong devotion to public service — Ted ranks very high among the best to ever serve our great State of Ohio. “
The portrait, painted by renowned Toledo artist Leslie Adams, continues the tradition of paying a lasting tribute to the legacies of Ohio governors.
“I am deeply honored and profoundly excited to have been chosen to create the official portrait of Gov. Strickland for the state of Ohio. Although I have found this work to be one of the most artistically challenging of my career, I am proud both of the results of my efforts and of the great honor of contributing to our state’s legacy,” Adams said.
The Strickland portrait and framing cost $40,000 and was privately funded. It will be displayed for the public alongside previous governors’ portraits in the William McKinley Hearing Room (Room 121) in the Ohio Statehouse.
FRANK LEWIS may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@heartlandpublications.com.
I've seen Governor Strickland, and that is no Governor Strickland, I'd guess Walt Disney.
Rebid the painting unless it's a crony, no bid job?
It takes a leader and mature person to correct themselves, etc.
Lincoln, Strickland did not free anybody, he's put us in more bondage, and indenture and that's before he became Governor in Scioto County, and he being Governor is why the GOP took over our state like they have, the city government in Scioto County, no that's cause the Democrats let them have that. Hah. Politics.
Oh, well. Sorry for our bad luck..........