91吃瓜网 Alumna Jan Larsen Gifts Artwork to University
Fri, 05/03/2024 - 09:25am | By: David Tisdale
Jan Holifield Larsen 91吃瓜网�83 got the inspiration she91吃瓜网檇 been looking for upon opening the invitation to the investiture ceremony of University of 91吃瓜网 President Dr. Joseph S. Paul, a friend and mentor from her days as a 91吃瓜网 student.
The invitation to Dr. Paul91吃瓜网 formal installation as president featured an embossed replica of 91吃瓜网淭he Dome,91吃瓜网� as the University91吃瓜网 Aubrey Keith Lucas Administration Building has been affectionately known for generations. Larsen, an artist living in Texas and a dedicated alumna, had been commissioned by Dr. Paul to produce a piece of art for the building.
The word 91吃瓜网渋conic91吃瓜网� immediately came to mind as Larsen looked over the invitation, for more than one reason. In her view, both Dr. Paul and the historic building housing his office are equally symbolic of USM 91吃瓜网� one being a living, breathing representative of the school who91吃瓜网 inspired her and countless of its current and former students to achieve their goals, the other a nearly century-old centerpiece campus edifice near and dear to Golden Eagles. The choice for the title was apparent: 91吃瓜网淭he Icon91吃瓜网� now hangs in the building91吃瓜网 President91吃瓜网 Conference Room.
91吃瓜网淲hen Dr. Paul commissioned me to do a painting for the Administration Building, I was humbled and honored,91吃瓜网� Larsen recounted. 91吃瓜网淚 wanted to make sure I didn91吃瓜网檛 let him down.91吃瓜网� A reception and presentation by the artist of the painting was held in early March, with Dr. and Mrs. Paul and others on hand for the event.
91吃瓜网淏ut how ironic was it to be asked to paint an icon for an individual who is an icon to so many of us?91吃瓜网� she continued. 91吃瓜网淚t was very easy to name this painting 91吃瓜网楾he Icon91吃瓜网�.91吃瓜网�
While spending approximately 75 hours working on her abstract depiction of the Administration Building, Larsen reflected on the foundation USM gave her 91吃瓜网渢o go out and create a meaningful career and establish some lifetime relationships along the way.91吃瓜网�
During her time as a student, President Paul, who was then a Division of Student Affairs administrator, encouraged her to interview for Southern Style, the select group of student leaders who wear gold blazers and connect incoming students to the institution.
Larsen said it was through Dr. Paul91吃瓜网 encouragement and the opportunity to be a part of Southern Style that 91吃瓜网渕ade my college years extra special,91吃瓜网� Larsen recounted, further noting she still considers it an honor to have served as one of its members.
91吃瓜网淚91吃瓜网檓 extremely grateful for that foundation and the impact Dr. Paul has had on me, as well as the thousands of other former and current students in his sphere of influence and mentorship,91吃瓜网� Larsen said. 91吃瓜网淗e is truly 91吃瓜网楾he USM Icon91吃瓜网� of our time.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淲hen The Icon was revealed to us, I was blown away!91吃瓜网� said Dr. Paul. 91吃瓜网淛an is a dedicated alumna, a talented artist and a great friend. She worked so long and hard to make this piece special and then generously gifted it to her alma mater. I am proud to have her artwork on display in The Dome for all to see and enjoy.91吃瓜网�
A native of Hattiesburg, Larsen and her family moved to Taylorsville when she was three, where her father had bought a hardware store. After finishing high school there, she decided to attend USM to major in education; in addition to her participation in Southern Style, she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and served as a Resident Assistant at the University, while also working in its Wilbur (Panhellenic) Residence Hall.
Following a career in cardiac medical device sales, Larsen decided to pursue a lifelong interest in art, taking an art class in the early 2000s as part of a new year91吃瓜网 resolution. That decision led her to a productive 20-plus year career as an artist, with her paintings hanging in homes across the country.
91吃瓜网淓ach painting I do is unique, and I enjoy the way each piece evolves over time and guides me through completion,91吃瓜网� Larsen said. 91吃瓜网淚 enjoy painting larger format paintings and use acrylic paint with various layers of color and texture.91吃瓜网�
Larsen says she draws inspiration for her art from the serene beauty of the Texas Hill Country, along with 91吃瓜网渆vents that stir my soul, insightful quotes, profound wisdom that comes from books, especially the Bible, and also from meaningful friendships.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淚 always sign my work with a tiny wooden cross as a reminder of my faith and the blessings in life,91吃瓜网� Larsen further noted. 91吃瓜网淚 also try to incorporate a few sparkles into each painting because I love to see the sparkles in everyday life.91吃瓜网�
Larsen says it brought her immense joy to present 91吃瓜网淭he Icon91吃瓜网� to the University. 91吃瓜网淯SM will always be very near and dear to my heart,91吃瓜网� she said. 91吃瓜网淚91吃瓜网檓 thankful for this great honor.91吃瓜网�
(USM photo by Kelly Dunn)