Living like Lew Wallace
By Stu Clampitt
©2016 The Paper of Montgomery County, April 4, 2016
Following in the footsteps of General Lew Wallace is no easy task. The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum and Crawfordsville Masonic Lodge #50 have spent three years looking for people who embody some of the characteristics of General Lew Wallace. In Crawfordsville’s Karen Patton, they found someone worthy of the
3rd annual Lew Wallace Cultural Award.
The award was established to recognize individuals who give to the Crawfordsville community in many ways, as Lew Wallace did.
Karen Patton is a retired public school teacher from Montgomery County. She has been working as a professional artist for about twelve years.
According to Larry Paarlberg, director for the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum, Patton paints what gives her a sense of purpose and adventure. “In her classroom when she was a teacher she had a quote on the wall, ‘Life is not a destination, but a journey,’ and I think that is a real testimony to
Lew Wallace,” Paarlberg said. “I think it is very fitting she would
follow that.”
Other nominees this year were Tim McCormick, Dale Petrie and
Kathy Steele.
When accepting her award, Patton said, “I told Larry that I couldn’t believe I was nominated for this award. To be in the same category with Dale, Kathy and Tim? They do so much for the community!” She said it was an honor just to be nominated.
Paarlberg cited Patton’s assistance in getting the Athens Art Gallery started as an, “incredible contribution to the community.”
Patton has also been an artist in residence at the Lew Wallace Museum.
“If you ever want to get a successful critique, get Karen,” Paarlberg said. “She can point out what wrong, and you feel so good about what’s wrong with your work,” he said to a room full of laughter.
According to Paarlberg, the last public speech made by Lew Wallace was at the dedication of the Masonic Temple where Saturday’s dinner was held.
The award was established to recognize individuals who give to the Crawfordsville community in many ways, as Lew Wallace did.
Karen Patton is a retired public school teacher from Montgomery County. She has been working as a professional artist for about twelve years.
According to Larry Paarlberg, director for the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum, Patton paints what gives her a sense of purpose and adventure. “In her classroom when she was a teacher she had a quote on the wall, ‘Life is not a destination, but a journey,’ and I think that is a real testimony to Lew Wallace,” Paarlberg said. “I think it is very fitting she would follow that.”
Other nominees this year were Tim McCormick, Dale Petrie and Kathy Steele.
When accepting her award, Patton said, “I told Larry that I couldn’t believe I was nominated for this award. To be in the same category with Dale, Kathy and Tim? They do so much for the community!” She said it was an honor just to be nominated.
Paarlberg cited Patton’s assistance in getting the Athens Art Gallery started as an, “incredible contribution to the community.”
Patton has also been an artist in residence at the Lew Wallace Museum.
“If you ever want to get a successful critique, get Karen,” Paarlberg said. “She can point out what wrong, and you feel so good about what’s wrong with your work,” he said to a room full of laughter.
According to Paarlberg, the last public speech made by Lew Wallace was at the dedication of the Masonic Temple where Saturday’s dinner was held.
(From left) 2015 winner of the Lew Wallace Award, Helen Hudson, John Phillips of Mason Lodge #50 and 2016 Lew Wallace Award winner Karen Patton pose after Saturday’s dinner.
Conversation and meeting new friends began in one of the Center's parlors.
Everyone was treated to a delicious locally catered meal in the Center's ballroom.
(From left) 2015 winner of the Lew Wallace Award, Helen Hudson, John Phillips of Mason Lodge #50 and 2016 Lew Wallace Award winner Karen Patton pose after Saturday’s dinner.