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Rudy attended church every Sunday when he was young. He was also commissioned to paint many religious murals for churches. This suggests that the title “Benediction” may have come from Autio’s background experiences, although probably isn’t religious in nature. Rudy’s son Chris said that Rudy named “Benediction” based on “what came to mind” at the time.
Benediction was made during Archie Bray’s 50th anniversary in 2001, titled “Clay Odyssey.” Autio was one of the artists invited to participate. The piece was later wood fired at Lubrecht nearby, then fired again in Autio’s electric kiln. The piece was never exhibited before coming to the Canton Museum of Art.
