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Vintage Red
Cross Poster Art on Display in September
Mark your calendars so you won’t miss the rare and unique
collection of historic Red Cross posters from the early 1900s which
will be on display in Darke County. “A Reflection of Life”, these
magnificent and colorful posters depict the American Red Cross disaster
relief, armed forces and fundraising efforts during and following World
War I. One of the posters on display is possibly one of the most
important in the American Red Cross history, “The Greatest Mother”, by
Alonzo E, Foringer, from 1918. Some ten million copies were
distributed in towns and cities across the country.
The display will be at the Anna Bier Gallery of Memorial Hall in
Greenville during these times in September: for the “First
Friday” event, September 5 from 6 – 8 PM; during the DCCA
Artist Series Program on Saturday evening, September 13 and during
regular Saturday gallery hours of 11 – 3 on September 6,
13, and 20. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about
the American Red Cross and to offer any assistance needed during the
First Friday event. American Red Cross Executive Director, Lynne Gump,
stated, “This is an excellent opportunity to engage our youth in
philanthropy, advocacy and history. What may start as a simple
walk through a gallery may very well ignite community spirit,
compassion and a thirst for more information!”
These historical posters were used for community outreach, to encourage
members “to join” the American Red Cross. “Created long before
graphic artists and technology, they were created by artists and
muralists, designing one single image that would “make the ask” across
the country to support the American Red Cross”, added Lynne Gump.
There will be a special preview for donors of the Red Cross on Friday,
September 5 at 5 PM. Anna Bier Gallery Director Marcia Weidner
noted, “I am looking forward to exhibiting this rare collection of
vintage Red Cross posters recognizing the Red Cross for the many years
of service to our nation in times of need.”
The American Red Cross of Darke Co. chapter has these unique
posters on loan from the American Red Cross Northern Miami Valley
chapter. The posters were given to the Northern Miami Valley
Chapter by a donor , Mareta Headapohl, who found them in her father’s
attic after he died. He was a printer and it is presumed that he
printed these posters. Mareta, the donor is a 70 year
volunteer with the American Red Cross .
The posters were used as a fund drive when support for the Red Cross
was through membership for $1.00. Children collected pennies to
fund the Red Cross. In keeping with the spirit of the posters, a
collection canister will be available for the Darke Co. Red Cross.
To paraphrase Stella Adler,”Life beats down and crushes and the soul
and art reminds you that you have one, while the Red Cross makes sure
you can live one.”
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