THE LIFE OF WARNER SALLMAN
Warner Sallman, the Master Painter, was born April 30,1892 and lived in Chicago where he was trained as a commercial artist at the School of the Art Institute. In 1916 he married Ruth Anderson and they had three sons, Everett, Richard, and Jim. Mr. Sallman died May 25,1968.
THE HEAD OF CHRIST
In 1924 Mr. Sallman was commissioned to design the cover page of a new Mission Covenant youth publication, The Covenant Companion. On the eve of his deadline, his work still incomplete, he went to bed restless in spirit. In the middle of the night, an image appeared vividly in his mind's eye, and Sallman got up and drew a small sketch which would become the original charcoal drawing called "Son of Man".
In 1940 he reproduced that painting in oil, which quickly became very popular and is now known as the "Head of Christ". According to the July 9th, 2007 issue of Newsweek Magazine, it has been reproduced over 1 billion times, including wallet cards that were given to our service men and women in World War II.
COLLECTING
Mr. Sallman painted over 500 original works of art. It is important that these and other related items including stories, correspondence, and memorabilia be collected and preserved. His art can be found and enjoyed in schools, offices, churches and homes, yet some may be lost or misplaced. Our goal is to collect art which is not displayed, and does not have a permanent home.
PRESERVING
Some of the current collection of Sallman art is housed in the Archives of the Brandel Library on the Campus of North Park University in Chicago along with the collections of The Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park Univesity, and The Swedish American Historical Society. This facility, with a full-time archivist, has reference rooms and a display area open for viewing, and is a state-of-the-art climate-controlled environment.
DISPLAYING
It is our purpose to tell the Warner Sallman story and display his popular images and their stories. Program presentations are given at various venues around the United States. In that the art is laden with profound spiritual and devotional value and impact, many people have been blessed and nurtured by it.
YOUR GIFT
To extend the legacy of Mr. Sallman and maintain The Warner E. Sallman Art Collection, Inc., we rely on the generosity of those who have special interest in preserving our heritage and Sallman's paintings. The Collection is self supporting, and has no other funds from which to draw. Therefore your gift is very important to this initiative, and would be very much appreciated.
Gifts may be sent to: The Warner E. Sallman Art Collection, Inc. 5911 N. Bernard, Chicago, Illinois 60659-3403.
ART
If you know of an original Sallman oil, maybe in your church, home, or attic, or would like to gift a piece of Sallman art, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
PROGRAMS
I am availble to give a Sallman powerpoint presentation, 40-60 minutes in duration, entitled THE MASTER PAINTER. It includes over one hundred sixty slides, and appropriate scripture. It is both inspirational and informational. This appeals to all groups, clubs and organizations. Contact LeRoy Carlson for futher details.
CHRISTMAS CARD AND NOTE CARD
Now available and for sale is a beautiful Christmas card and Note card with Warner Sallman's WINTER IN SWEDEN which he drew in 1919 and since has been in the Jim and Gene Sallman private collection.
It is a 5 x 7 inch snowy cottage scene, red in color, with a verse "May the warmth of Christmas be with you throughout the year", and Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Chrit the Lord". It is also available in red without the Bible verse; and in a black ink sketch with the inside blank.
The cards come 12 in a box and sell for $11.95. Illinois residents must include 9% sales tax. The shipping and handling charge is $2.00 per box. Orders can be placed by using the contact information below.
We also have the same image 8 1/2 x 11 inch suitable for an 8 x 10 inche frame; or in an 8 x 10 inch frame with a red or black mat. Please contact me for prices.
ART CARDS
We also have art cards, to send a personal note, 12 in a box of four different Sallman images. They are blank inside except for a small scripture verse. They sell for $8.95.
Wallett sized Sallman images, including the Head of Christ, Christ in Gethsemane, Christ at Dawn, Christ Knocking at Heart's Door, His Presence, and Portrait of Jesus, are also available at .50 cents each.
FACE TO FACE: Warner Sallman's Images of Christ was on display at the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, IL. for fourteen months concluding on May 15, 2008. It was viewed by 41,144 people. The exhibit featured twenty-eight Sallman images including the large 8 x 10 foot original oil of the Head of Christ done by Mr. Sallman in 1956. That image is now on display at The Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford Illinois. It can be seen by calling the church at 815-399-9296.
We also had an exhibit of twenty-six Sallman images at the very large First Baptist Church in Naples, Florida, from March 15-30, 2008. This was over the Easter season and thousands of people saw that display too.
CONTACT
For questions or comments please E-mail LeRoy Carlson at leroycarls@aol.com or call 773-463-7421 or 773-203-5911, or write: 5911 N. Bernard, Chicago, IL 60659-3403
