Why the Watermelon?

Meadowlark Hills loves art. Not to say that each individual resident loves art, but the organization as a whole appreciates many types of art displayed throughout our campus. There are three unique pieces of art located outside the Community Room. If you visit that area, you will find portraits of people who have played a significant role in the history of Meadowlark Hills. One is of the Sloan family, one is of our former CEO Steve Shields and the third depicts Jim Morrison with a watermelon.

Wait…what? A watermelon?

I have often wondered the significance of the watermelon in this particular portrait, but never ventured as far to find out. This week I spoke briefly with Jim and he told me that when the artist, Clive Fullagar, did the painting he thought there should be more than just Jim in the portrait. Clive inquired about Jim’s hobbies and Jim mentioned that he and a couple other people grew watermelon and sold them at the local farmer’s market. Jim often brought a supply to Meadowlark Hills to share with the residents who lived here.

Jim also noted that he thinks the artist believed the addition of the watermelon not only rounded out the painting, but also his personality.

The first president of the board of trustees for the Manhattan Retirement Foundation, Jim also served as a part of the committee to explore the concept of a retirement community for Manhattan. He was a volunteer leader for the organization from 1974 to 2002. The portrait was dedicated February 23, 2007. Thank you to Jim, and the many others, for playing a part in the development, history and growth of Meadowlark Hills.

See you next week and thanks for stopping by!