I usually begin a new painting with random brush strokes of color, then work unpredictably and intuitively, responding to the rhythm of the music and the direction the painting suggests to me.
— Jonas Gerard —
Honorary Presidential Recognition to Jonas Gerard
The original painting "We The People" is 8 feet in diameter. It was accepted at the White House in Washington, DC in 1975 by President Gerald R. Ford on behalf of the American People.
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This painting, considered our Nation's Bicentennial portrait, Is now a Permanent part of the Smithsonian Institute's collection.
Artist Statement
It is my deep hope that this painting will inspire each person who gazes upon it to strive to realize the essential Freedom, Peace and Unity which already exists in every human heart. The future of our country rests on the hope that each of us will strive for this noble ideal. To me, this is the ultimate meaning of the Bicentennial celebration and of True Patriotism .
Jonas Gerard July 17, 1975
