The entrance to Burkhart Auditorium in Rickly Commons recently got a facelift! The entrance then began to transition from a normal hallway to a grand entrance.
It started with the commission of artist Michael Copeland, a Springfield native who specializes in watercolors and oils. He was highly recommended by Frame Haven Gallery, with previous works including Springfield Symphony, Wittenberg University, and The Ohio Masonic Home. He was commissioned to create two watercolor paintings that would adorn the entrance.
The first painting is of the Masonic Virtues Faith, Hope, and Charity, along with the Cardinal Virtues Fortitude, Temperance, Justice, and Prudence. This painting also features many of the Masonic symbols that we hold dear to our hearts. The Masonic Virtues and Symbols painting was completely funded by the Northwest Masonic Temple in Columbus.
The second painting is of a medieval scholar and operative Masons working their craft. Once again, if you look long enough at the operative Masons, you’ll notice a fair number of working tools that you may see in your local Lodge! If you look closely at the scholar, you’ll see him transcribing some text from a text with noticeable red check marks. The painting of the scholar and operative Masons was funded by the 24th Masonic District of Ohio. MWB Royal C. Scofield was a member of Sebring Lodge #626 located in the 24th District of Ohio. Many of you know from taking the code course that MWB Royal C. Scofield was famous for his red marks all over the submission. Since the 24th District sponsored the painting, it was appropriate to add the red check marks in MWB Scofield’s memory. Each of the paintings are hung in custom, backlit stained-glass frames that go along with the stained glass that is inside
Burkhart Auditorium.
To round out the entranceway project, the globes on the chandelier
were custom blown to match the colors along the picture frames. The
walls were given a fresh coat of paint with a textured look, as well as a set of Masonic Pillars that were donated, restored, and placed at the front of the entrance!
Go give these wonderful paintings a look the next time you’re in the area!
