Name/Title
Rotary InternationalEntry/Object ID
2023.04.08Description
Painting
This painting appears to be a promotional design work for Rotary International. It shows a smiling and optimistic young family of four surrounded by four marching glider? airplanes superimposed over the Rotary International wheel with a green landscape and a big sky background. The family is looking up to their left with the mother pointing.
The meaning of this work is not fully understood. The family may simply be looking to a meaningful future in the service of others. Or, the image may be promoting "Public Benefit Flying" where volunteer pilots nationwide use their own aircraft, and donate their time and flight expenses, to assist the health and well being of others. Specifically, this may refer to The International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians (IFFR).Artwork Details
Medium
Mixed media on paperContext
Rotary was founded by Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who formed the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their own communities and around the world.
"Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world. Its stated mission is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders...Rotary concentrates on seven areas: promoting peace, improving health through disease prevention and treatment, improving the health of mothers and children, water and sanitation, education, economic development, and supporting the environment."
"The International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians (IFFR) is a group of Rotarians dedicated to promoting Rotary and aviation as an opportunity for fellowship and service. This fellowship operates in accordance with Rotary International policy, but is not an agency of, or controlled by Rotary International."
"The Air Care Alliance is a nonprofit public service organization representing a nationwide network of volunteer pilot groups that deliver impactful and inspiring service through aviation. ACA encourages volunteerism among pilots, helps patients access the free air transportation they need, and ensures that charitable aviation remains a viable resource to those who need it most."
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A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since its early days. The first design was done by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear in 1905. However, by 1918, many variations had emerged, and it became clear that a standard emblem was needed. In 1919 the Board adopted the design and description done by Oscar Bjorge (1900-1996), Engineer and Rotary Club of Duluth, Minnesota, and the 1921 convention formally approved them. Some small modifications were later made and a standard description of the design, with a keyway, was approved by the 1929 convention.Made/Created
Date made
1998Time Period
20th CenturyInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Signature, DateLocation
Lower right: Bourgeois 98Dimensions
Dimension Description
Visible imageHeight
44.5 cmWidth
48.3 cmCopyright
Notes
Images are provided for research and reference use only. Permission to publish, copy, or otherwise use these images must be obtained from the copyright holder. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to determine the copyright holder and to obtain permission(s) as needed.
