Bo painting donated to Schembechler Hall

from MGoBlue.com
http://www.mgoblue.com/football/article.aspx?id=139014

Local Artist Donates Painting of Bo for Schembechler Hall

To see more pictures of the event please visit: http://www.mgoblue.com/Common/PhotogalleryCenter.aspx?albumId=139008

Video Highligths of the event:
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May 28, 2008

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Friends, family, distinguished guests and University of Michigan athletic department staff gathered Tuesday afternoon (May 27) for the unveiling of a painting of Bo Schembechler to be on permanent display in the lobby of Schembechler Hall.

The artist, Johnnie Dew, and his wife, Kathy, donated the painting to the U-M football program for display in the facility bearing the name of Michigan's all-time winningest coach. A reception, formal dedication and brief program was held in the Commons at Schembechler Hall.

Dew is a self-taught artist who began his painting career in February 2007 after a medical retirement from Ford Motor Company at the age of 32. He received no formal training and his only previous experience was one course at Romulus High School. Dew works primarily in pastel, the purest means of applying pigment to a surface, but also enjoys graphite as well.

Cathy Schembechler, Bo's wife, selected the photo that will forever represent Bo in the football building. An Ann Arbor resident since 1980, Dew spent well over 200 hours working on the painting.

"Listening to his memorial service and hearing all the wonderful things that people had to say about Bo, I felt like he should be honored in this manner," said Dew.

"I want to thank Kathy and Johnnie Dew because without them none of this would have been possible," said Cathy Schembechler. "I'm happy that whenever people walk through the doors of Schembechler Hall they will be able to see this beautiful painting of Bo. I know that Bo would be very happy knowing that today would be happening. Having the opportunity to talk with many people around here, I know that Bo is still touching people to this day. I want to thank everyone for coming today, and I know that you are going to love it."

A limited number of replica prints are being produced and will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition portraits will benefit the Bo Schembechler Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan. More information on the prints will be available at a later date on MGoBlue.com.