It’s not uncommon for our associates to establish long-lasting relationships with their clients. This is just what happened with associate Lysbeth Francis and Memphis University School (MUS).
Lysbeth's husband and three sons graduated from the school, and several years ago she was attending a back-to-school event that found her casually talking with the headmaster. There were two portraits hanging in the front lobby where they were standing, and Lysbeth somewhat jokingly said that they needed a few more. The headmaster asked if Lysbeth painted portraits, and while she responded that she didn't, she said that she represented more than 100 artists who do.
The school did want to expand their collection of portraits of their Board of Trustees chairmen and begin creating a Faculty Portrait Series. Lysbeth put together some samples that they loved, and the rest is history.
Lysbeth recently attended the unveiling of the 17th portrait she’s worked on with MUS for the Faculty Portrait Series. The most recent portrait was done of a long-time history teacher and well-known historian in the area.
All of the portraits have been different and, in fact, they have almost all been painted by different artists, at the request of MUS. They don't want to use the same artist twice. That's challenging for Lysbeth, especially because when she helps select the artist, she doesn't know yet who the subject will be. Paperwork and arrangements have to be made before the faculty member is selected a few months later.
The Faculty Portrait Series is a project taken on by the Alumni Executive Board to honor MUS faculty members that have given much of their lives in service to the School. Faculty members must have worked at the school for at least 15 years, currently be retired and in good standing. Portraits are hung in the Dining Hall.
As time passes, hopefully Lysbeth will be involved in commissioning more of these faculty portraits that her sons, and maybe one day grandsons, can look back on and be proud of for years to come.
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.