Dwight D. Eisenhower

August 25, 2004

Eisenhower Paintings on Exhibit

Seen by former President Eisenhower as a hobby and the work of an amateur, visitors can judge for themselves his artistic talents by viewing a selection of Eisenhower’s paintings in the museum of the Eisenhower Center in Abilene, Kansas. The Paintings of Dwight D. Eisenhower consists of 18 original from the permanent collection and 6 paintings on loan from John S. D. Eisenhower, Peggy Aurand, and the Abilene High School. Eisenhower, a self-taught painter, began painting in 1948. He continued to paint as a means of relaxation while in the White House, and he and Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill often compared notes on techniques over the many years of their friendship.

In addition to the paintings, the exhibition contains a sampling of Christmas greeting cards used by the Eisenhower’s while in the White House. Six of the gift prints used reproductions of President Eisenhower’s painting as the subject matter, and all were made by Hallmark Cards, Kansas City, Missouri.

“I think visitors will be pleasantly surprised and impressed with the talent of the 34^th president,” commented Dennis Medina, museum curator. “His favorite subjects were landscapes and portraits for which he took care in proclaiming his “magnificent audacity” in even attempting to paint likenesses, and it’s reported he burned more portraits than anything else.”

The exhibit will be on display in the temporary gallery of the museum until March 13, 2005. The Eisenhower Center is open from 9 a.m.- 4:45 p.m., daily and closed only Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information please call 785-263-6700 or toll free 1-877 RING IKE.

The Eisenhower Center is one of ten presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

Photo caption: UNTITLED SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN

Oil, canvas board, 16” x 12”. c. 1948, from the collection of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library/Museum, Anonymous Gift