Westley Olmsted (1934-2011)

During his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Wes Olmsted was inspired by art he saw in Europe, which led to his creation of huge, secular altarpieces that incorporated socio-political commentary with imagery from different religions. He also created sculptures assembled from found objects that commented, in part, on ephemeral American culture. Ultimately, his message espoused non-violence and spiritual strength in the face of world chaos, dysfunction and war.    

Olmsted’s portraits of his close friends, Skip and Joy Herrick (formally known as Mr. and Mrs. Sherlock A. Herrick, Jr.) demonstrate his admiration for them as generous, principled individuals who serve the community in many ways, including art patronage. Their names are spelled out in typewriter keys at the back of each sculpture.