KAY MURPHY NOLAN: Waukesha County Freeman: Woman’s Paintings Honor Former town of Pewaukee Pastor: Saturday December 28, 1991
A former pastor and well-know community activist from the town of Pewaukee has provided the inspiration for a series of paintings by New York artist Karen Gunderson.
Gunderson, 48, recently created three paintings as a tribute to the late Rev. Leroy Andersen. The artworks were displayed from January through May at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New York City.
Andersen was founder and 30-year pastor of Galilee Lutheran Church, N24-W26430 Crestview Drive, town of Pewaukee. After his retirement, Andersen served as interim pastor at several area churches, most recently, Sugar Island Lutheran Church, near Nashotah. He died in 1988 at the age of 66.
The paintings are 7- by 9-foot oils, done entirely in black, which depict the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. White brushstrokes, reflecting light, allow the translucent forms to be seen.
“When a panting is done in black, it goes to the feelings directly,” explained Gunderson. “It catches on a more emotional plane. You can feel the energy as you see it.”
Gunderson, who is Andersen's niece, said her uncle encouraged her pursuit of an art career and inspired her with his awareness of social issues.
“He was very active in civil rights during the 1960s. I was going to college then,” recalled Gunderson. “He stood up for what he believed. I was proud of him.”
Laurel Andersen of Brookfield, Andersen’s daughter, said her father marched wit the Rev. James Gropi in the 1960’s and met with Martin Luther King Jr. |
