The original painting We The People is 8 feet in diameter. It was accepted at the White House in Washington, DC in 1975 by President Gerald Ford on behalf of the American People. The painting, considered our Nation’s Bicentennial portrait, is now a permanent part of the Smithsonian Institute’s collection. [Click for more images]
Artist Statement upon dedication:
“It is my deep hope that this painting will inspire each person who gazes upon it to strive to realize the essential Freedom, Peace, and Unity which already exists in every human heart. The future of our country rests in the hope that each of us will strive for this noble ideal. To me, this is the ultimate meaning of the Bicentennial celebration and of True Patriotism.”
– Jonas Gerard
July 17, 1975