Ray “Padre” Johnson brought his 25-piece collection, “The Global Human Family” to life as he spoke at its grand reception on Oct. 6. This collection is historical for East County as it was primed to go for permanent display at the United Nations, but his friendship with Heritage founder Bernard “Bud” Lueck and his further involvement and love for the museum, his change of heart brought this phenomenal display changed those plans.
Ray “Padre” Johnson brought his 25-piece collection, “The Global Human Family” to life as he spoke at its grand reception on Oct. 6. This collection is historical for East County as it was primed to go for permanent display at the United Nations, but his friendship with Heritage founder Bernard “Bud” Lueck and his further involvement and love for the museum, his change of heart brought this phenomenal display changed those plans. It is now a permanent part of East County’s hidden treasures of unique collectibles that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. This art display is breathtaking in its new home and after listening to Johnson talk about his visit to 145 countries in 14 years, and then spending some quality time talking with him about some of the paintings, brought a new sense of wonder to this exhibit. Bringing to life the many cultures of our world in a collage of faces from each region of the globe, there is a commonality of humanness in each piece. Unfettered joy, the glint of mischief in the eyes, innocence, and enjoyment and excitement of life are seen in each and every portrait. This was Johnson’s vision in beginning this project, to capture the untainted childlike physiognomies that many exude every day, regardless of race, religion, origin or age.
Astonishingly, if you pointed out one face in the crowd of paintings, Johnson could tell you everything about that person. Who they were, where they were from, how long he spent with them, and how well he got to know them. Already seeing the display before the reception, his speak brought a new light and life to this collection that is beautifully displayed with his philosophies of life and the common threads that we share as a human race. Displayed with the paintings are some of the philosophical insights from his prose that can be found in his book, “Journeys with the Global Family. Insights Through Portrait & Prose” that is available for purchase at the museum.
A large part of his life’s work, this exhibition has nothing to be compared with. It stands alone, in the history of humanity and its new home, with its own rich history and values of educating children for free above anything else, is a match of perfection, and something for anyone to look at and reflect upon.
The Heritage of the Americas Museum is located at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon.
www.HeritageOfAmericasMuseum.com
