Portraits honor memory of difference makers

On Sunday afternoon, from 2 until 4 p.m., the Johnson Center for the Arts will honor the late Mack Gibson and Holman and Ethel Johnson whose dedication to the arts has made and continues to make a difference.

The unveiling and dedication of the portrait of Gibson and the dedication of the portrait of Holman and Ethel Johnson has been highly anticipated throughout the community.

Andrea Pack, director of the Johnson Center for the Arts, said the portrait of Gibson is the artistry of Mack Moseley and the portrait of Holman and Ethel Johnson is that of Ruth Walker.

Both, she said are and will continue to be “treasured.”

The artists agree that being asked to paint portraits of individuals, whose influence will continue to elevate the arts in Troy and far beyond, is an honor.

“Although I did not know Mack personally, it was my pleasure to paint his portrait,” Moseley said. “Through the process, I met many people along the way that spoke so highly of Mack and what a great man he was. Mack’s spirit shined through his smile and eyes, and, even though I did not have the pleasure of meeting him, his expressive features and personality struck me personally while I painted. This, along with the memories shared, came together to help capture his features and personality.

All the great stories and reminiscing I heard along the way gave me a sense of how special Mack Gibson was and it was my pleasure to paint him.”

I am so proud of the Johnson Center for the Arts and what it means to the community,” Walker said. “To have the Johnsons’ portrait that I painted as a permanent visual there makes me proud.”

It was during the COVID shutdown that Walker inquired at the JCA if there was anything she could do while at home.

“That’s when the portrait of the Johnsons came up,” Walker said. “Brenda (Campbell director), asked if I could do a portrait of them and I said I would be honored.”

Pictures as resources were gathered and the work was begun.

The composition was a challenge.

“It’s difficult to paint what you cannot see,” Walker said.

There was one photograph of Holman that was a good likeness and several of Ethel that were useful to work with, all black and white.

“I had to depend on the Johnson’s daughter for the color of her suit and blouse, even her hair style and color,” Walker said. “Holman was not as difficult. Putting the two of them together was the biggest challenge but I was pleased with the portrait.”

Walker was nervous in her desire to please the Johnson family and all their comments were favorable, so she was well pleased.

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