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2025
Honoring Beaver Dam's Ice Skating Legends!
The Beaver Dam community gathered for a special mosaic mural dedication at the Beaver Dam
Family Center Ice Arena celebrating two hometown heroes - Maddy Horn and Robert Rompre -
whose talent and determination made Beaver Dam proud on the national and international stage.
Organized by Jerold (Chico) Lunde and made possible through the generosity of Marilyn Thomas,
Shirley Lunde, and Chico and Kristie Lunde, this project honors Beaver Dam's deep skating roots.
The murals were designed by world-renowned artist Stephen Bennett, founder of Faces of the World,
a nonprofit that uses portraiture to inspire and connect communities through art. |
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Stephen Bennett and the ancestors of Maddy Horn
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Maddy Horn
A 1934 Beaver Dam High School graduate, Maddy became one of the greatest women in speed
skating history. She was a National and North American Champion, held seven world records, and
won over 300 medals. Maddy was selected to represent the United States in the 1940 Olympic
Games, which were canceled due to World War II, and was later inducted into the National
Speedskating Hall of Fame.
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Bob Rompre's wife Susan is up front with the Rompre family.
Robert Rompre
A 1952 U.S. Olympic hockey player, Robert scored four goals in a single game against Finland - two
of them within ten seconds! He later coached and inspired generations of players, leading the Fond
du Lac Bears to two state championships and helping establish hockey halls of fame in both
Wisconsin and Minnesota. His number 8 jersey was retired in honor of his legacy.
These murals are a lasting tribute to two remarkable athletes who continue to inspire Beaver Dam's
skating community and beyond.
#BeaverDamWI #CommunityPride #MaddyHorn #RobertRompre #BeaverDamFamilyCenter
#FacesOfTheWorld #SpeedskatingHistory #HockeyHeritage #DowntownBeaverDam #PublicArt
BEAVER DAM POSTCARD MURAL
Beaver Dam Skating Legends Reel (Highlight 1)
Beaver Dam Skating Legends Reel (Highlight 2)
Murals Honoring Beaver Dam Skating Legends
Beaver Dam Chamber-Skating Legends Tribute Post
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2024
A mosaic Mural is created of local HERO Philanthropist John McKinstry
A Portrait of a Hero, a breathtaking 7-foot mosaic mural dedicated to John B. McKinstry-created
during the Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival and led by world-renowned portrait artist, and Beaver
Dam's own, Stephen Bennett Portrait Artist
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This stunning piece was crafted by 100 community members, young and old, celebrating the legacy
of a man who has shaped Beaver Dam in countless ways. From founding the Humane Society and
Community Theater to establishing essential scholarships and the Begin to Swim program at the
YMCA, John's contributions have built the heart of our community.
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2024
100 members of the community created a mosaic mural of a Phoenix for the Non-profit P. A.V.E.
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The design of the mural came from a Phoenix painting commissioned by PAVE.
PAVE serves individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence regardless of age, gender
expression, sexual orientation, race and socioeconomic status.
The mural was installed on the front of the PAVE building in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
Special thanks to Emily Sheir for her vision and support with this project.
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2023
Hundreds of children in Ubud, Bali painted a mosaic mural of a baby Asian Elephant. At ARMA
Museum Stephen Bennett worked with Philip Price of www.savingganesh.org and the Burning Man
camp "I Love Elephants". Philip Price sponsored the mural to raise awareness of the plight of
the Asian elephant.
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2022
Hundreds of students paint a portrait of CNN hero of the Year, Pak Janur.
CNN Hero of the Year Mr. Pak Janur is doing incredible work to clean up Bali and help those in need.
He created a program exchanging plastic garbage for food. A real hero. 320 children and artists made
this portrait of Pak Janur at the ARMA Museum in Ubud, Bali. We were so proud to learn of the incredible
work of Pak Made Janur of Plastic Exchange. https://plasticexchange.org/
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Nathan and Kadek and their mosaic paintings.
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Children with Pak Janur at ARMA Museum .
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Stephen Bennett, President of Faces of the World, Inc and Pak Janur of PLASTIC EXCHANGE.
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Mr. Pak Janur with his portrait on display at Arma Museum in Ubud, Bali.
Pak Made Janur: "Within every crisis lies an opportunity" This was the mindset of Tabanan-native, I Made Janur
Yasa, when he asked himself how he could help his village amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The idea became clear
-"Plastic for Rice" or how we call now as Plastic Exchange. A sustainability movement that empowers
communities to change their waste behavior through dignity-based exchange systems that result in cleaner,
healthier environments. or this is his bio : As a world-traveler native to Bali, Made Janur Yasa embodies Eastern
philosophy blended with Western sensibility. Certified in Somatic Coaching and leadership training, his long-studied
practice of Aikido has remained the physical metaphor underpinning his studies and his teaching. He has found that
the tenets of his Balinese cultural heritage have likewise reinforced his interest in and comprehension of Somatic, as
both share a similar wisdom that views body and mind as inseparable rather than dualistic. Moksa, plant-based
restaurant and permaculture garden, his co-creation with executive chef, Made Runatha, has likewise enabled Janur
to pursue his passion for environment, sustainability and community. Ignited by the immediate economic crash due
to Covid19 and the environmental crisis already plaguing his native island, he has of late embarked on an initiative
of empowerment and prosperity for the Balinese called Plastic Exchange, through a barter program that provides
sustenance in exchange for collecting plastic and non-organic waste
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Watch Youtube
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2022
In Oliva, Spain the local community crated of local Heroines
200 students and members of the community celebrated the two hometown children's book authors
Irene Verdu and Maria Martinez.
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Author Irene Verdu
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Author Maria Martinez
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2020 - 2024
Portraits of Heroines and Heroes in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
The Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre recently completed a mural project that honors four artists that
contributed to the arts in the Beaver Dam area. They include Nancy Zieman, Lois Ehlert, Fred MacMurray,
and Eric Kalkhurst. President of the Board of Directors Emily Shier says the idea for the project came
about a few years ago.
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Katy and her painted tile
"I believe it was April of 2021, the Board of Directors at the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre agreed
to have Stephen Bennett, world renowned portrait artist facilitate the murals. Shier says the goal for the
project was to honor icons in the form of four murals being hung up on the side of the Beaver Dam Area
Community Theatre Fine Arts Center.
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Chairman of the project Scott Eberle was the project manager when the new theatre was built with
addition of a scene shop. Eberly says the shop had a big, blank wall, and thought that would be the
perfect place for a mural.
"The downtown was going through a renaissance, and they had wall dogs come in and murals going up
all over," Eberle says. "And I thought that was a natural location for a mural. Well, once you decide that
then it’s 'What are you going to put on there? What kind of a mural?"
The murals can be seen on the side of the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre Fine Arts Center
located on Maple Avenue on the east wall of the scene shop, facing the city's parking lot.
Stephen Bennett working in his studio on the PORTRAIT OF A HERO murals.
https://youtu.be/7973dJziXYY
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Lois Ehert, Children's book Author of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
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Nancy Zieman, PBS Television personality of "Sewing with Nancy"
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Fred MacMurray, Hollywood Actor made famous as his role in the The Absent-Minded Professor
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2019
Mural portrait of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia
The 100 square meter painted portrait was completed by the Stephen Bennett and 100 international endurance athletes in
Saudi Arabia. These 100 riders of the "Rakayib" caravan crossed the legendary harsh (Rub al Khali) Empty Quarter
desert on camelback guided by local Bedouins. Each rider painted a square of the mosaic adding their own ideas. It is
part of a continuing international program of paintings created by students and volunteers to bring awareness to those
who make exceptional contributions to their culture. The program is called "Portrait of a Hero". The goal is to create
portraits that can be displayed to the public as a tool of creating pride and awareness. The mission of the program is to
educate, inspire and promote positive role models. In Feb, 2019 Bennett was invited to Saudi Arabia by his Highness
Prince Mohammad bin Salman through his organization Rakayib and the Camel Club of Saudi Arabia. Bennett traveled by
camel with 100 other international adventurers across the Empty Quarter desert in Saudi Arabia for 25 days.
Video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDovf8i2Kf8)
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2019
"I HEART BEAVER DA" COMMUNITY MURAL.
Faces of the World and the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce worked with the children of the
Beaver Dam YMCA to create a 10 x 10-foot mosaic mural. This mural was designed by Stephen
Bennett and painted by the children of the YMCA. It is installed in Beaver Dam across from the
Chamber of Commerce in downtown Beaver Dam. Special thanks to Scott Eberle.
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Winter 2017 - Spring 2018
Bali, Indonesia
Portrait of a Hero Project
During the Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud, children each painted a 12 inch square that when assembled became a portrait of CNN Hero, Ibu Robin Lim. "Mother Robin" has been providing free health services to pregnant women and young children since 1995. She was honored to be CNN Hero of the year in 2011. This project made the children realize how their contribution and teamwork created something incredibly big and beautiful. An original concept by Stephen Bennet, this project took months to become a reality, bringing joy to entire community.
At left two proud children present their individually painted "pieces of the puzzle" that became a large 10x10 foot portrait of Ibu Robin Lim. Amazingly, many of the children who participated in this portrait project were actually birthed by "Mother Robin".
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Spring 2017
Porto, Portugal
Induplano Exhibit and Workshop
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Winter 2016
Guangzhou, China
An Exhibit and and several Portrait Workshops were organized at the Guangzhou Opera Houseby Stephen.
For fun, the children actually painted on T-shirts instead of paper.
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June - August 2014
Macao, China
Faces of Light Art Exhibition was presented at The Venetian Macao which featured 14 large World Portraits measuring from 7x5 feet up to 10x9 feet. During this exhibit, Stephen Bennett gave special portrait painting class to young adult, visual arts students from Macao Polytechnic Institute, offering tips and demonstrating techniques.
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2010 - 2011
December 10 to April 30
Faces of the World Exhibit
Press Reception
Tuesday, January 11 from 1pm to 4pm
A large selection of Stephen Bennett's World Portraits-many of which are 7 x 5 feet will be on display.
East Gallery
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai
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2010
October 21 to November 19
"World Portraits Exhibit & United Nations Stamps"
Opening Reception
Friday, October 22 at 6:00pm
A selection of World Portraits-some of which appear on the latest Indigenous People series of 18 stamps produced by the UN Postal Administration for 2010 plus the 18 produced for 2009 will be on display.
Lobby Show Walls
133 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
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2010
October 21
First Day of Issue - United Nations Postal Stamps
Thursday, October 21
from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Second Series of UN Postage Stamps issued that feature 18 of Stephen Bennett's World Portraits.
ASDA Mega Stamp Show
The New Yorker Hotel
481 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY
Buy Stamps Online Here.
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2009
November 12 to 28
"Uniting Through Faces"
A selection of portraits from January 2009
United Nations exhibit, New York.
Opening Reception
November 12th, 6:00pm
Repton Art Gallery
Nad Al Sheba 3 & 4
Dubai, UAE
Phone Number (Landline): +9714 426 9393
GPS Coordinates:
N25° 08.750'
E55° 22.626'
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2009
Thursday, October 8
UNITED NATIONS Indigenous People Series of Stamps
Featuring 18 World Portraits by Stephen Bennett
First Day of Issue & Meet the Artist
11am to 3pm •
New Yorker Hotel
481 Eighth Avenue, NYC
The United Nations Postal Administration is featuring Stephen Bennett's World Portraits for their 2009 Indigenous People postage stamps. The series of 18 stamps will be issued in 3 countries and 3 languages at the United Nations headquarters/offices located in Austria, Switzerland and the United States.
(Left) Sheet of 6 United Nations postage stamps specifically for the United States.
All 18 stamps are available for purchase as of October 8 at all 3 UN locations.
To see other designs, please click here.
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2009
March 9 - March 12
"Uniting through Faces"
LAC Gallery
9490 Genesee Ave
La Jolla,CA 92037
Please contact (347) 232 8996 for more information.
(Left) Goggle Girl
Acrylic on Canvas
80 x 64 inches
Tanzania
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2009
March 8
NIKA Water Launch Party
Sunday, March 8, 4:00PM
Host: Jeff Church / NIKA Water
Location: La Jolla Country Day School
9490 Genesee Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 US
Phone: (858) 472-2064
Please join us to celebrate the launch of NIKA Water!
Stephen Bennett has donated his portraits to the NIKA label will also be at the launch together with some of his great artwork.
For more information about NIKA Water, please visit
www.nikawater.org
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2008
October 8 - October 31
"South East Asia and Back"
Artist Reception
Tuesday Oct. 21, 5:30-7:30pm
The show in MV's Wolfe Gallery includes portrait paintings from Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Morocco. This exhibit is a preview of his upcoming show FACE to FACE, Uniting Humanity, at the United Nations Visitor's Lobby, New York in Aug. 2009.
Wolfe Gallery
Toledo, OH
Open Weekdays 8:30-5:30 pm
Contact: 917.238.1173 and 718.389.9210 or 419.517.3802
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(Left) "Bario Baseball" 80 x 64 inches , Acrylic on Canvas, Sarawak 2006
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2008
September 12 to October 7
Between Worlds: PTSD and Other Effects of War
A Group Art Exhibition
Artist Reception
September 12th: 6-8pm
The group includes Mario Verta, Stephen Bennett, Rita Leistner, M.J. Alhabeeb, Anastasia Nelson, Davis Scott Woodard, Terry Mahy and Ernie Velasco.
Chancellor's International House - Davis
10 College Park
Davis, CA
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(Left) PNG, WWII Veteran
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2008
July 18 to August 15
"Friends and Family: Portraits"
Artist Reception
Friday, July 18th: 5-9pm and
Saturday, July 19th: 4-6pm
Stephen Bennett will show 12 images of his "Faces of the World" series.
Red Bluff Art Gallery
516 Walnut Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
View Press Release
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(Left) 100 Mile Smile
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2008
July 10 to July 13
"Our People Our Culture"
Lecture and Exhibition
Orang Ulu House,
Sarawak Cultural Village, Malaysia
Curated by Irene Lim Ai Soik
Sponsored by the Sarawak Tourism Board
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(Left) Longboat to Longhouse
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2008
May 1st to June 12th
KINSHIP
Stephen Bennett:
One Man Show
Curator: L.L. Powers
Sponsor: The Durst Organization
Conde Nast
4 Times Square @ 42nd Street
New York,NY
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(Left) Baby Powder Flower Power
Papua New Guinea
80 x 64 inches
Acrylic on canvas
April 2008
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2008
March 1st thru May 1st
"Face Out"
Highlighting the progress made by
the Australian government towards
the recognition and apology to the Stolen Generation
ELLIMAN GALLERY
299 Bedford Avenue,
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(347) 232-8996
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(Left) "Drinking Camp"
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 64 inches,
Katherine, Australia. 2004.
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2008
May 8th to May 11th
Join Stephen and Soaringwords in New Orleans as we connect with hundreds of children and families that were affected by Hurricane Katrina.
For more information please go to www.soaringwords.org
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2008
Tuesday, March 14th
KINSHIP,
Stephen Bennett:
One Man Show
Artist Reception
Thursday, Thursday March 20th
Lobby Gallery
1155 Avenue of the Americas
(between 44th and 45th Street)
New York
Curator: L.L. Powers
Sponsor: The Durst Organization
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(Left) "Beach Baby"
Acrylic on canvas
80 x 64 inches
2008
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2007
November 15 to December 16
FACE to FACE, Uniting Humanity
Artist Reception
Thursday, November 15
6pm to 9pm
An exhibit of Stephen Bennett's large-scale
(5'x7') portraits of indigenous peoples. This previews an exhibit to be featured at the United Nations in 2008.
To encourage corporate sponsorship to benefit Faces of the World Inc.
a non profit educational organization.
At the James Gray Gallery until December 16.
For location and hours please visit:
http://jamesgraygallery.com/
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(Above) A Berber Shepherd along the roadside on the way to Ouarzazate. (Right) Mint tea and melon for breakfast at the Berber camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi before travelling back to Rissani
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2007
September 11th to October 4th
Toured the Erg Chebbi Dunes, Atlas Mountains, and
surrounding countryside of Morocco, North Africa.
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Read more about Stephen’s trip to New Orleans at the Soaringwords organization website.
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2007
August 21st
Montifiore Hospital, New York.
Stephen and his team help create colourful portraits and more importantly, “Soaring Smiles”, in many wards at the Children's Hospital of Montefiore during workshops held there.
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2007
July 19 to October 19th
“Into Their Eyes” Portrait
Painting Exhibit
Meet the Artist Reception
Friday, August 10 - 6pm to 8pm
At Planet Thailand, 133 North 7th Street
Williamsburg, Brooklyn until August 31.
This exhibit celebrates International Day for
the Worlds Indigenous People being held at
the United Nations Headquarters.
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2007
July 1 to August 31
Exhibit of Indigenous Portraits
United Nations Visitor’s Lobby
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2007
February 15 to December 31
Stephen is presently in his New York studio painting portraits of peoples of Papua New Guinea, Papua and
Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand.
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painting woman of the Karen Tribe from Northern Thailand.
He only uses photos that he's personally taken as visual
reference.
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2006-2007
October 1 to February 14
Toured Papua New Guinea,
Papua (Indonesia) and
Peninsular Malaysia.
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Attended the annual "Goroka Show"in Papua New
Guinea to photograph and interview 80 tribes of Highlanders.These
tribes compete through dance and colorful costumes made
of feathers, birds, mud, beetles, moss, paints, animal
hides, beads, plants and pleated leaves. |
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(Left)Indigenous Asli children gather around Stephen in the Cameron
Highlands in Peninsular Malaysia.
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2006
July 1 to August 31 (Exhibit was extended to September
30)
Exhibit of paintings at the Sarawak Museum, Kuching,
Sarawak, East Malaysia and teaching portrait painting workshops
at schools and cultural centers in Kuching.
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