Four Arts inks deal to show Bush’s portraits of soldiers
Former president George W. Bush might be visiting The Society of the Four Arts next season. Certainly, his paintings will.
The Four Arts recently signed an agreement with the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas to exhibit 60 of Bush’s portraits of American soldiers. Dates for “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief ’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” have not been set. The paintings portray men and women who served in the U.S. military in the years following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which occurred during Bush’s presidency. The former president became personally acquainted with each subject.
The portraits grew out of Bush’s outreach to veterans and the center’s Military Service Initiative, which aims to maximize the health and well-being of post-Sept. 11 veterans and military families.
Visitors were so intrigued by portraits and the stories behind them when they were unveiled last year at the center that the show’s dates and hours were extended.
Palm Beach resident Pam Patsley, who serves on the center’s board, was instrumental in bringing the exhibition to the island museum.
The Four Arts hopes to host Bush during the show’s run.
“It’s our understanding that President Bush enjoys talking with visitors to the exhibition, and we hope he will be able to come to The Four Arts as we join him in honoring the men and women who have fought for our country,” Four Arts President David Breneman said.