It's impossible to generalize with accuracy about Proctor graduates, but we are aware of a tendency for alumni to pursue lives notable for creativity, individuality and passion. Relatively few, it might seem, spend their days in cubicles. Yet that's exactly where John Hannafin '96 found himself after majoring in economics and business at Lafayette College. Not only was the West Chester, PA native working out of a cubicle; he was selling business cubicles! Leaving the cubicle behind, he applied his business acumen to start Artpassionista--supporting and publishing the work of local artists--and began to apply color to his own fine drawings. Today, John Hannafin is fast-rising professional artist. He's also back at Proctor for several days, drawing inspiration from Elbow Pond and other local vistas.



John's style is both impressionistic and bold, rich with color and form. He is a deep, thoughtful, spiritual character who honors his artist-heroes. 



He doesn't know how many days he'll spend here, or how many paintings he will complete. For now, he sits at his French field easel, coated with mosquito repellent, and paints what he sees.



Since the day he left his cubicle, John has traveled the nation on a project he calls "Art Across America," painting scenes from national parks. The project has been featured by dozens of media outlets, and I urge you to enjoy this cool news/video. Here is some of John's prior work:













Over the next several days, I look forward to documenting John's work here at Proctor, and to sharing that work with you. And here we go: This is Friday afternoon....



Tuesday update: John is wading farther into his project.....



And here is my final image from John's week at Elbow Pond. We hope that his visit is the start of a series of visiting artists returning to campus for inspiration!