Friday, September 6, 2024–11:40 a.m.
-News Release-
Photo courtesy of Tellus Science Museum
Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville has unveiled a new portrait from notable Atlanta artist, Steve Penley.
The painting was commissioned to honor Tellus’ Executive Director Emeritus, Jose Santamaria, and his 27 years of service to the museum.
The portrait was commissioned by donors Anne and Dick Goodsell.
They wanted to honor Santamaria’s service to the museum and his wider impact in the museum and geology fields.
According to Dick Goodsell, he and his wife felt that a portrait on display in the museum’s Weinman Mineral Gallery would be, “an appropriate homage to Jose’s love of geology and his involvement in the national museum, geology, and mineral communities.”
Santamaria began his tenure with Tellus when it was still the Weinman Mineral Museum – a small 10,000 square foot institution with minimal staff.
During his years as executive director, Jose saw the museum transform into a 120,000 square foot (and currently expanding), Smithsonian Affiliate with a diverse roster of science programming and events.
“Under his leadership, Tellus has become an internationally known science museum,” said Dick Goodsell. “I believe he deserves more recognition for this accomplishment. Jose is the geologist I wanted to be, and he has become my ‘go-to-guy’ for geology information.”
Goodsell also explained why he and his wife chose Steve Penley as the artist for this project.
“Steve Penley’s artistic talents were first recognized by my friend, Attorney Robert Steed,” said Goodsell. “Robert provided the support that helped Steve become the well-recognized artist he is today, establishing a long-standing relationship with both Tellus and the Booth Western Art Museum.”
Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Steve Penley is an impressionist artist who built his home in Atlanta.
He is known for his vibrant paintings of historical figures and paintings that capture the essence of American culture.
In his impressive portfolio, you can find portraits of presidents and world leaders like Abraham Lincoln, JFK, and Winston Churchill.
His work has been displayed at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, the College Football Hall of Fame, and many other prominent businesses and attractions.
Tellus Science Museum is home to two other Penley paintings – Science Montage and Moon Landing – both on display in the Macke Great Hall.
Tellus Science Museum is a program of Georgia Museums, Inc. which also includes Booth Western Art Museum, Savoy Automobile Museum, and Bartow History Museum.
Tellus, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is a 120,000 square foot science museum located in Cartersville, just north of Atlanta.
For more information about Tellus Science Museum call (770) 606-5700 or visit www.tellusmuseum.org or www.facebook.com/tellusmuseum.
