Artist for Sale or Rent
207.324.6278
General Biography
An accomplished listed American Artist and Illustrator, Robert M. Henry has created well over 3,000 works of art. All of these paintings are in private homes and businesses, included in copyrighted material by various Authors, and on permanent display for general viewing throughout the United States and in the Republic of Cape Verde, Kenya, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Italy, England, Sweden, and in Denmark.
He began very early to draw what he saw, using his bedroom walls as his canvas. His parents were not too pleased with this display of creativity, but they reluctantly allowed him to pursue art as a hobby, rather than as a future profession.
His first formal training in painting techniques occurred rather late in life while he served his first Peace Corps assignment. Father Baggio, a Catholic priest in Thika, Kenya, taught Robert to portray fabric and skin realistically, influenced by the Italian Renaissance.
Wanting more instruction, Robert enlisted and became a Navy Illustrator/Draftsman. In a short time, he had completed the Navy Occupation Standards for DM3 through DMCM. This resulted in the only "Schooling in Art" he ever received formally. Here, he learned not only the "alphabet of his profession", but also to transfer his images to paper, film, wall, surfaces of metal, glass, ceramics, fabrics, and within the pathways of a computer.
During this time, he voluntarily created a one man show of 25 paintings at NAS Oceana, VA, and in the Military District Washington, he completed 53 murals. He also painted an authorized portrait of Commodore Grace Murray Hopper. This painting was, for a time, displayed in the Pentagon. It was one of the many works of art lost on September 11th. He recently recreated the portrait twice, and both hang in various locations within the Women in Military Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.
This exposé could detail the proliferation of his paintings, however, this web site is sufficient to give anyone interested an overview of his many commissions, and the technique he uses to portray daily life in 21st century America, and to entice a child's imagination. This technique, he admits, is "photo realistic".
His place as an American Artist has been earned by self discipline, constancy of personal direction, and by an ability to display the visions, the ideas, of not only himself, but of others as well. He is no stranger to volunteerism. He certainly is one of the "Thousand Points of Light" referred to by President George H.W. Bush. Countless individuals, charity organizations, and memorial foundations have received his art for "silent auction" fund raising purposes.
If you go back to the home page, and select the "portraits" link, you will be introduced to his part in one specific "charity" in which he participated. The Faces of the Fallen Exhibition, sponsored by the Women in Military Memorial at the foot of Arlington National Cemetery, affected him profoundly. There, he met the mother of a young man who's "light" was extinguished in an act of heroism in Afghanistan. Held each year, Robert requests that you consider donating your time, your money, and if you are a peer of his, your art. The Jason Plite Memorial Foundation has thus far given eighteen young men and women scholarships to further their education, totaling $35,000.
What follows is a synopsis of the past three year's events, and then the conclusion of my attempt to describe this Artist and his contributions to 21st century American contemporary art.
The Jason Plite Memorial Silent Art Auction 2008
From a Mom 2008
I would like to welcome all of you! Some of you join us for the 5th year…some of you join us for the first time. I want to thank all of you for being here tonight to remember Jason and to honor our scholarship recipients.
I want to take a moment to personally acknowledge our scholarship recipients. First I must note that in acknowledgement of the 5th anniversary the scholarships awarded tonight were significantly larger than in the past! Each recipient has a very special gift and goals that mirror exactly what Jason was all about. – Jordan with his desire and interest in sketching villains and heroes. – Ryan with his cute habit of doodling. Jason doodled on things from the time he could first hold a drawing tool, from the bottom of his bunk bed to his textbooks and materials going through Pararescue training. – Laura who shares the personal drive to succeed and the passion of giving and sharing with others. I congratulate you all on your accomplishments thus far and know you have a very bright future ahead. It is an honor to know we will be assisting you along the way.
In the past year I have had a few amazing opportunities. This past June I was invited to represent Jason and the Air Force at the closing ceremony of the Faces Of The Fallen exhibit at Arlington Cemetery. Jason’s portrait was part of the exhibit since it had opened in March of 2005. It was imperative to me to be there to support the incredible founder, Annette Polan. This exhibit was one of the most touching memorials in honor of the fallen that you will ever have seen. It was at this ceremony when I met Robert M. Henry. Robert had painted Jason’s portrait for this exhibit. He was also invited to personally present me with Jason’s portrait, on display this evening. I was finally face to face with the artist that captured my son’s life in an amazing painting. All I could say to him was “Thank You”. It took Robert a moment to realize who I was. His response was “ take this portrait home-wrap it up and put it away until I’m gone. Then put it up on e-bay it will bring a good deal of money for your scholarship fund”. I just graciously smiled and replied, “you obviously don’t know me yet”! I carefully guarded this portrait and the Larger one also on display all they way home on the plane from D.C. I have the portrait(s) proudly displayed at home where all can enjoy. I’ll proudly do so for the rest of my life.
Since my return from D.C. Robert and I have maintained contact and have developed a wonderful friendship. He has this amazing ability of saying just the right things at just the right moment. He has been extremely instrumental in aiding with the plans for this years event. It was his mission to get as many of his 180+ artist thru Eons Art Gallery to donate a piece for the auction. Many of those artists graciously donated from all parts of the country (it’s been like Christmas). Robert also drove all night from Maine to join us this evening to share our story and his gift of art. I would like to thank Robert with a small gift! (framed photo)
My visit to D.C. also provided me with some influential contacts at the Pentagon. After almost 5 years of asking, the Air Force for only one favor, a ride in an HH60 Pavehawk (Jason’s aircraft), and almost 5 years of my request being denied… I was finally cleared for my flight! It was Dec. 19th in Albuquerque NM, at Kirtland AFB. It was a beautiful day with bright blue skies and temps in the 40’s. The day began with a briefing with the flight crew. I was suited up in my very own personalize flight suit, taken to be fitted for a helmet, safety gear and communication devices. I was then given a tour and briefing of the aircraft. To say I was treated like royalty would be and understatement! I was joined by 3 wonderful PJ’s, our flight was about 1-½ hours long over the desert and mountainous terrain. I took part in a mock mission where I was the rescuee. There are no words to explain what this experience meant to me. I finally knew why Jason had such a huge smile on his face while flying-as I could not stop smiling myself.
Another opportunity I am thankful for is having Terry Deitz join us tonight to share with us his story of being in the military as well as being a participant on the show Survivor. In the past 5 years I have turned to reality shows as a way to escape. Too many programs are now full of violence and drama. I’m looking for a reason to smile and laugh, and Survivor has provided me with that escape. I have not missed an episode or a season. It was season 12, Survivor Panama – Exile Island, that I found myself especially intrigued by Terry and the way he played the game. Of course the fact that he was a former Navy pilot was the first connection I made between he and Jason. I realized as a pilot Terry and Jason had much of the same training, especially survival school. It was apparent to me Terry had the skills to survive as he often was sent to exile island… As the season progressed I also felt that Terry played the game with great confidence, yet he did not boast. He presented himself with admirable integrity. These traits he also shares with Jason. Jason strived to be his best and to finish first, however he did it with great pride, never gloating, just a great smile of accomplishment, always helping another along the way. Therefore I could vision how Jason would have participated in the game of Survivor through watching Terry.
Jason would not be surprised that I arranged for Terry to be here with us tonight, he was very aware of my obsession with Survivor. He also knew the extent of my determination. I must add that it was not an easy task to track Terry down. However most of you know how determined I am and that I exhaust all options and never quit my mission. My creativity guided me to a website for a vintage baseball league called Simsbury Taverneers, which Terry plays for. I was able to reach an individual whom goes by the nickname “Lucky”. I felt it was my lucky day when Lucky was able to put me in contact with the Deitz’s.
As you may have noticed in reading Terry’s bio, he is an avid lover of sports especially baseball. A birdie also told me his favorite colors are blue and gold. Therefore, out of my greatest appreciation for having Terry join us this evening, I have a special gift for him. (present jersey) Terry, I thank you so very much…
I am truly thankful for all these opportunities, as I am thankful for the many people that continue to support me in remembering Jason and aiding me in my mission to give out scholarships so others can pursue their dreams. I am thankful for all of you and our time together this evening. I also hope you enjoyed the ice cream sundaes as ice cream was by-far Jason’s favorite food!
I would now like to introduce my daughter Shaynah…. She will be performing a song for us this evening!
The Jason Plite Memorial Silent Art Auction 2009
Amy Looyenga, Megan Schinderle, John Fitzgerald, Lydia Kramer, Dawn Petersen |
A Mother’s Words As we conclude or program I would like to thank everyone for attending and remembering Jason tonight with me. At times during the planning process of this event it can become emotionally overwhelming. Yet when this day arrives, and I begin to see your smiling faces, an amazing sense I am thrilled and touched that you join us on this evening not only to remember Jason, but also to recognize the scholarship recipients that will continue on pursuing their dreams, taking a small part of Jason with them. It is greatly rewarding to provide these intelligent, talented young individuals with the financial support to help them achieve their impressive goals. I have had the pleasure of watching Megan, Lydia and John grow up since they were in middle school (a perk of working at the high school). I have been aware of Megan’s passion and gift of art and have followed her progress since she was in 7th grade. I have watched Lydia evolve as a club swimmer with the Dolphins to the accomplished swimmer she is today. I have admired John’s connection with others at school and how his teammates look up to him in admiration. John stated that he has aspired to be awarded the Jason Plite Memorial Swim scholarship since his freshman year, following in the footsteps of his high school heroes, Ian Demming and Nick Ballou. I can only imagine that John finishes this phase of his education and begins another with the feeling of bitter sweetness, as John lost his father Frank unexpectedly in Dec. of 2004. What John and his mother Ruth do not know is that prior to Jason’s accident I swam every morning at the YMCA in the lane next to Frank. He was always happy and smiling as he greeted me. Among our guests tonight are a group of Gold Star families. It is my privilege to introduce them to you. Diane Huhn: Marine Lance Cpl David Huhn’s mother, Debbie & John Ellsworth: parents of Lance Cpl Justin Ellsworth, Annette Nealey: Mother of Lance Cpl Troy Nealey, Al and Tami Nelson: Parents of Pfc Andrew Nelson. Gold Star Families is not a club you wish to join… however; if you are a Gold Star family this is the group of people you look to for comfort and support. They know…they understand… I believe our son’s have brought us together, for that I am thankful. I wish to thank the MSU AFROTC Silver Eagles Drill Team. Jack, Daniel, Josh & Mike – This is the 3rd year they have joined us, each year they arrive with the desire to do more. They take great pride in posting the colors and remembering a fallen brother. Tonight they gave us the gift of a precision rifle drill. With my most sincere gratitude, I thank you and wish you great success in your futures. I would like to say a few words about Ron Springer! I met Ron April 2nd 2003 at Palmer Bush and Jensen’s funeral home. He came up to me and said, “you don’t know me, I didn’t know your son, I’m Ron Springer. I’m here to honor your son and to support you the mother”. Ron has been there for me ever since. He has attended all six dinners, and didn’t hesitate when I asked him to speak tonight. Ron is a very compassionate man; he pays a great deal of attention to detail and truly puts others before himself. Ron prides himself on the ability to complete a mission. I believe over the past 6 years, I have become part of Ron’s missions, to provide me with some since of peace and comfort. It started with a small get-together at his home with his wife Linda, a few close friends and his dog Journey. Ron was eager to share with me his amazing military museum in his home. During the tour he was compelled to get my attention to view a particular Vietnam era jungle shirt (put on). Go figure… personalized for a PJ MOM! On another date Ron granted another of my wishes. He took me to the shooting range so that I could shoot Jason’s 9mm Glock! It didn’t stop there as we went through an arsenal of weapons & ammo…shells flying everywhere! Ron continued to provide support when I was struggling with an invitation to be part of the Grand Ledge Memorial Day Parade. His response “don’t worry, I’ll take care of it”. He did exactly that. The morning of the parade he and his good friend Rick rolled up in front of our house in their restored Vietnam era jeep, and a canteen of comfort! Ron, also never backs down from a challenge as you can see from this photo! And his commitment to the Gold Star Families is unwavering… Thank you Ron, and your lovely wife Linda. In closing I would like to recognize the artists that have donated to the silent auction, the dedicated bartenders, Mark & Carol Taylor, the amazing JPMF Board Of Directors. It is with our utmost gratitude that we thank you for being here, your continued support and friendship. |
The Jason Plite Memorial Silent Art Auction 2010
A Mothers Words
I wish to personally welcome you all to the 7th annual Jason Plite Memorial dinner. It is a privilege for me to share this evening with you, in remembering Jason and to celebrate his life. I am truly touched and eternally grateful for your continued support. Tonight is truly about remembering Jason and awarding scholarships to assist young individuals in pursuing their dreams and goals. Your generous contributions to Jason’s memorial fund, has provided the means to accomplish this mission This evening we recognized three amazing individuals whom share the passion and accomplishments in swimming and art as Jason did. I am proud to award Olivia, Kayla and Crimson with scholarships in Jason’s honor so that they too can pursue their goals and dreams. Congratulations! I would also like to take a moment to recognize several scholarship recipient alumni that have joined us tonight, recognizing their accomplishments and continued support of this event. (join me as I call your name) Stanley Stine ( 2004 art)– Stan is completing his second semester at Kendal School of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. He will be beginning his senior year this fall. He plans to have his Bachelors Degree by 2012/13. Recently he volunteered at an old public museum setting up an art display with one of his instructors. He donated two pieces for the today’s art auction Becky Schaffer (2005 swim) - Graduated from GV in December in Hospitality & Tourism with a minor in French. She recently started as the Golf Shop Manager and Buyer at Walnut Creek Country Club, in the South Lyons area. Jay Paquette (2005 swim) – has graduated from MSU with a degree in Physics. He is currently job hunting! Meanwhile he is working at LCC and is engaged to be married. Nick Ballou (2007swim) – A JR at MSU studying civil engineering. He is active in the MSU marching and pep bands. He recently went with the basketball team for the final four tournaments. Laura Pierce (2008 swim) – attended her freshman year at GVU, she transferred to MSU for her sophomore year and LOVES it! She continues to pursue her degree in Microbiology, while teaching swim lessons. She’s also has been offered an internship this fall studying viruses.
Megan Schinderle (2009 art) – is at DePaul University in the honors program. Taking courses in religion, philosophy, art, psychology, and American sign language. She currently has a double major declared in both psychology and art, and a minor declared in American Sign Language. She still considers becoming an art therapist in the future, but has also added the sign language component—hoping to use her love for signing to help deaf people through art therapy, as well as hearing people. Cover design! Lydia Kramer (2009 swim) – is a freshman at MSU currently pre-vet. She is finding herself drawn more toward the agricultural, sustaining life and animal food industry aspect of her career field. She also hopes to do some studying abroad in the near future. It is through these individuals that Jason’s name and sacrifice will be remembered, and the gift will continue to give! To date we have awarded 18 scholarships, in the amount of $35,500. I would like to thank Mr. Richard Thelen for sharing his compelling story with us this evening. It wasn’t until I was researching for his bio, did I understand the incredible experience he and his shipmates experienced, when the USS Indianapolis was attacked. The strength, the determination and perseverance it took to survive those conditions had to be immense. I would have to believe that it also takes great courage to share those intimate memories with others. I am honored that you have taken the time to share your story with us tonight. Thank you. It is also important to me to take a moment to thank the many artists that have contributed pieces for the silent auction. If I could have the artist in attendance tonight please stand to be recognized! You all have an incredible gift. A gift that Jason would be in awe of, as he admired all mediums of art! I am sincerely thankful for your generosity. I would like to take a moment to thank the Air Force ROTC Cadets, Matt Byrne, Jason Mulder, Jim Honeycutt and Andrew Beckner. Your presence serves as a connection to Jason’s passion for the Air Force and being a Pararescueman. Thank you Speaking of Pararescueman, we have two PJ’s with us this evening. Luke Naughton, who went through the training pipeline and served with Jason. They were tremendous buddies, helping each other persevere through the intense training. He came in this morning from North Carolina! Also with us is Sean Cunningham, he and Jason were stationed together at Moody AFB. I believe Sean took on the big brother roll! I have since adopted him, and I’ve taken on the mama roll! He’s here from San Antonio TX. I believe they both know how much it means to me and to Jason to have them here. Thank you Before I close I would like to introduce to you the Jason Plite Memorial fund Board of Directors and to thank them for their amazing efforts putting on yet another wonderful event. Again I thank you all for being here sharing in this special evening, making this event an incredible success. It’s with great pleasure that I introduce my daughter Shaynah Peterson, whom has graciously agreed to perform a song for us.
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It has been my distinct pleasure to write these few words about an Artist I have known. That you have read this biography and subsequently all that is here concerning the Jason Plite Memorial Silent Auction; that action alone is worth more than I can measure in my own lifetime. That Robert has dedicated himself to the continuation of this scholarship, to help to preserve the living memory of a young man he never had the distinct honor to have met, says much more about the man, than about his art.
And yet, I'm as sure as there is dawn after the night, he will be remembered for that alone - his art. At some point in time, someone else will document his contribution as a member of our country and of our history, I will not be that person. And until that fateful day, when he has painted his last and final painting, when all we have left of him are memories of chance meetings during his plein air painting in front of Walker's Point in Kennebunkport, Maine; or stand before one of his "body of work", some 3,000 of them at present, not counting those works on his easel today; or see his imaginative illustrations in many, many children's books; those of you who will purchase your first painting from his hands, perhaps because of these words, or perhaps because you have been led to him by the suggestion of another and seek confirmation of his abilities; I promise you, you will not be disappointed by the art, nor by the Artist.
- Lawrence T. Matzkin, Jr. 2009.
For much more information concerning this Scholarship Foundation, click here
For much more information concerning the Faces of The Fallen Exhibition, click here
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