The Heritage of Americas Museum welcomes historic art donation, ‘The Global Human Family’ by writer, painter, and anthropologist Ray ‘Padre’ Johnson

“I often think, if more people could only take a few more minutes a day to appreciate the similarities and important differences in our humanity, perhaps a new seed of understanding would begin to germinate. This would have the potential of shaping a whole new process of evaluating and understanding the personhood of all members of our global family, including our nearest neighbor of the same color and cultural heritage.

“I often think, if more people could only take a few more minutes a day to appreciate the similarities and important differences in our humanity, perhaps a new seed of understanding would begin to germinate. This would have the potential of shaping a whole new process of evaluating and understanding the personhood of all members of our global family, including our nearest neighbor of the same color and cultural heritage. Where there is an openness to listen and learn, there is no need to enforce one’s views or control the response of another person.”—”Journeys with the Global Family. Insights Through Portraits & Prose” – Ray “Padre” Johnson.

Johnson’s work, “The Global Human Family,” debuted at the United Nations. Second, was the Heritage of Americas Museum at its grand opening in 1993. He was the first American artist invited to exhibit at the Royal Palace in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. His work, both in book and art captures the truth that although we are all diverse in color, culture, religion, age, or any differences, we share the same humanity.

Johnson is a writer, artist, war hero, cowboy and anthropologist. After spending 14 years living with people of very diverse cultures in 145 countries, this 25 piece exhibit of humanity is an extraordinary display of cultural anthropology through pen and brush. It breaks through clichéd ideals and shows humanity at its best. You will not want to miss the opportunity to see this work, meet Padre Johnson at the upcoming celebration on Friday, Oct. 6. This is nothing short of historic.

Johnson originally pinned this exhibit’s permanent home at the United Nations, but in his growing relationship with the Heritage of Americas, decided that it was the place for his lifetime work to find its permanent home.

As you walk through the exhibit you may learn more about your own heritage, but more important, how humanity is the same in all of us. With each wrinkle of an older person, the smile of joy of a child, the loving care of a mother, the universal message is clear. We might look different, we may look at life’s meaning in a different way, but the soul of his work is an undeniable piece of the commonness that we all share as human beings. Through these paintings, and his book filled with enlightening idealism of human nature, it provokes thought on every level on how we as the human race can live, survive and thrive as one people by embracing all of our differences.

Johnson’s life story is amazing and it is evident in his works of art. The centerpiece of the collection and his book has been on display at the museum for years. The addition of the complete set of “The Global Human Family” rivals any display of art in museums throughout the world. United Nations Environment Programme director says that he believes “that the open humanness in Padre’s written and painted work will not only have an enduring mark on the consciousness of each reader an viewer, but will also maintain a very unique historical significance.”

This permanent exhibit is a precious gift to the Heritage of the Americas, East County and the entire region. It will not only leave an indelible mark on those who see it, but our region as well. This is truly something to celebrate and we now have the ability not only to see and study this collection, but also meet the man behind the brush and hear his amazing story. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

A special presentation and reception celebrating Padre Johnson and his gift of “The Global Human Family” will be held at the Heritage of the Americas Museum on Friday, Oct. 6 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Heritage of the Americas Museum

12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. West

El Cajon, CA

www.HeritageOfTheAmericasMuseum.com