John Rhoden Digital Archives
In 2017, the John Rhoden Estate selected PAFA to assume the responsibility of preserving and promoting John Rhoden's artistic legacy. The Rhoden Collection includes over 300 works of art and 22 linear feet of archival materials. In 2019, PAFA was awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to organize the archival papers and provide free online access to the public. The grant team has dedicated over a year working on the project to deliver 5,000 digital objects online. This online portal provides a curated look into the life of John Rhoden and highlights a few areas that can be further explored using the archival collections. Users can review the finding aid for the collection here.
Works of Art
Over 275 works from the estate were transferred to PAFA. 28 works were accessioned by PAFA and the remaining will be placed into other museum collections.
Photographs
Over 1,000 color and black and white photographs were digitized, primarily documenting exhibitions, works of art, commissions, and personal life.
Documents
2,103 document pages were digitized including exhibition ephemera, planning files, awards, correspondence, sketches, applications, and personal journals.
Color Slides
2,169 slides were digitized, primarily documenting John's extensive travel abroad, visiting three continents and over 20 countries.
Explore & Learn
Biography
"I have enjoyed my life. I have had just about everything I really wanted and you are lucky when you can say that."
- John Rhoden, 1990
The Global Citizen
"To be selected by the State Department for this undertaking is an honor and also an obligation that must be fulfilled well as a great deal of responsibility is attached to such a good-will tour."
- John Rhoden
Exhibitions
"And then one day I decided to give up everything and put everything I could into sculpture. It was very difficult. I began to exhibit. Whenever there was a show you paid to get into I was rejected. I never been so rejected in all my life. Eight straight years. Rejections. I kept trying."
- John Rhoden, 1968
Art Commissions
John Rhoden’s commissions are perhaps his most recognizable works. Often set up in public spaces, Rhoden's works are not contained within frames like painted portraits but share the same space as the spectator.
Community Anchor
John and Richenda Rhoden were both naturally civc-minded people. John served on the Board of Education of the City of New York, taught in schools, hosted tours in his home, and, along with Richenda, organized community events and festivals.
Richenda Rhoden
Richenda Rhoden was not simply the wife of an artist. She lived her life as an artist, teacher, model and beloved neighbor. She was a constant muse for John's work and occasional collaborator. Discover more about her fascinating life.
Continue Your Archival Research
The papers of John Walter Rhoden (1916-2001) provide comprehensive documentation of Rhoden's life as an artist, educator, veteran, friend, and husband. A large portion of the collection has been digitized and freely accessible online.
| The Rediscovering John Rhoden Project has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. |
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