"Do what you can,  with what you have,   where you are now," Theodore Roosevelt. 

This web site is being created with the philosophy of President "Teddy" Roosevelt who could not understand those who wait for all to be perfect before acting on a goal.  As the artist for the Aging in America project,  I find it easier to create this site than explain my completed "vision" of it to a second party.   As the creator of this web site,  I find it awkward to write in the third person, "the artist" did this or "the artist" feels... ;  therefore,  I will write the narrative on this site in the first person.

"Doing what I can, with what I have,  where I am now;"

Jim Branscum

The Aging in America project is a series of representational pencil drawings depicting the humanity and dignity of America’s aging citizens.  Focusing on a few, representing all,  my work projects a positive image of older Americans with a drawing series that transcends the image of any individual model.  The goal of the series is to help our living heritage receive the attention,  respect and care they so rightfully deserve by heightening public and Legislative awareness to their past contributions and their present needs & concerns.

The subjects of the Aging in America series are heroes,  they are pioneers;  some are average Americans and others are historically significant individuals.  All have given a lifetime of toil and sacrifice to "shoulder the responsibilities of citizenship."  The subjects of this series represent the triumphs,  hopes and concerns of all older Americans.  

As examples,  I have the honor of portraying the oldest living female Marine in America,  Eugenia "Jen" Grenell (drawing #8);  the designer of the pumps that bring the oil through the Alaska pipeline,  Valintin Sokoloff  (drawing #5);  a World War I Army veteran,  Charles Hurd,  whose unit skirmished with Pancho Villa before the first World War (drawing #9);  a Department of Labor employee who worked for the first female Cabinet Member in American history,  Dr. Jean Flexnor Lewinson  (drawing #17);  a direct descendant of the 12th U.S. President,  Zachary Taylor,  Lucy Taylor Butt   (drawing #18);  and the last surviving member of the U.S. Marine Corps detail that placed the first flag atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima,  Charles W. Lindberg   (drawing #19). 

The value of this project can be seen in the reactions of older citizens when they view art work created to honor them.   Their eyes reveal the positive impact of the work.  Its value also can be seen in school exhibitions by younger viewers who see in the drawings fond reflections of their grandparents and other older loved ones.  Some viewers begin by looking at the execution of the pencil work,  others by looking at a particular drawing,  but all leave feeling like they have encountered a part of living history.  It is times like these that I feel most successful--  when my work has touched the heart and mind of the viewer.

This site explains how a private three drawing commission became a public series of thirty-six drawings;  how a commission focusing on the "humanity and dignity of older Americans" grew into a series with the goal of changing public awareness and private perceptions of America’s aging citizens;  how the work of an artist from the southwest developed into a national art project exhibited from coast to coast with two invitations to be exhibited in our nation’s capitol  (1995 White House Conference on Aging, and in 1996, the United States Senate).  The project’s transformation is told in text and in the images and commentaries on the models.

The goal of this web site is to expose the Aging in America project and to provide vital information on health and other areas of concern to elder Americans.  Benevolent professionals,  agencies and organizations dealing with aging concerns are invited to contribute information in their respective fields and participate in this site’s link exchange program.

The key to the success of the project's goals is exposure.  Exposure is accomplished through public, Legislative and school exhibitions of the original drawings and media coverage of the events,  fine art "prints" of the drawings,  a book to be published at the completion of the original art, and this web site.  The combined exposure of the project provides an opportunity for education;  education promotes understanding;  understanding promotes support for older Americans and aging concerns.

In addition to the genuine concerns this series seeks to bring to public attention,  there is one last issue to address,  the Aging in America project is also about art,   thirty-six original pencil drawings.  While there are serious aspects in the creation of this drawing series,  I hope you take the time to enjoy the art work. 

You are invited to leave general contact information and share your thoughts on the project,  the drawings or aging concerns.  Questions e-mailed to me will be answered as promptly as events allow. 

If you would like to support this project and Internet WWW Site,  you are invited to become a Sponsor or to contribute to its production and exposure by selecting individual "prints" of the original drawings.

To begin viewing the original drawings,  AIA Drawing #1,   Frank Laudenthaul.
To learn more on creation and history of the Aging in America project ,  Original Commission.
To see other bronzes and other artworks by the artist, go to Jim Branscum Art Studio.

To become a Sponsor of the Aging in America project or to place an order for individual prints,  Click Here.

           Return to AIA Home Page