Sam and the Perfect World

I wrote about this piece of art a while back, but wanted to celebrate it again and to let anyone in the Milwaukee area know that they have the opportunity to see this amazing piece in person at the following Art Museum [oh, how I wished I lived near by]

The Charles Allis Art Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave., is honored to display the prize-winning portrait, Sam and the Perfect World, by Wisconsin artist David Lenz. The portrait, along with several preliminary oil sketches, and other major works, will be on display for five days, beginning on May 1, with an artist reception from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Sam and the Perfect World won the first prize in a nationwide portrait competition and was shown for seven months at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. The Charles Allis Art Museum will now exhibit the prize-winning portrait, along with several other major works of Lenz that have not been seen previously.

After submitting his work to the competition to be juried, Lenz and his family traveled to Washington to receive the first place award, which included a cash prize and a commission to paint a remarkable American for the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection. Lenz accepted his award with his son by his side. "There was a huge ear-to-ear smile on his face," Lenz said, "And he beamed as he looked up at me. He could not have been happier. I'll never forget.