immortalizerismagmricent\IBy Dolores HaughThousands of people saw the statue of Sen. Everett Dir-ksen at the Chicago World Flower Show last March. Theartist, however, passed unnoticed.David Laughlin does fantastic art work. He has assistedFrank Dubinsky, director of the annual flower and garden show for many years. Dave created items for the “Sculptors Garden” for the Chicago Horticultural Society as well.His unusual creations are ofDavid Laughlin, designer and craftsman, explaining one of his many creations off metal completed Dalle glass window is in the background.clay, metal, combined plastic materials such as fiberlgas, epoxy, latex or patina. It is the artistic handling of such unusual media that distinguishes his works.The original wax model of Sen. Dirksen which Dave laterDavid's imaginative genius is limitless. He can model therecreated for the ChicagoWorld Flower and GardenShow is carefully protected in a corner of the organized confusion of the studio. The resi-human form in recognizable dimensions or have it merelyan impression created bymeans of line and texture.dents of Pekin, 111., are raisingfunds which will hopefully bematched by a well known philanthropist so that the final statue cast in bronzemaygrace the senator’s hometown square. (Photos by Dolores Haugh)“I WAS BORN during the depression years in a small Missouri town and spent my time just making things. Some emerged as roly poly metal hippos or kookie little circular stoneware creatures that areneither fish nor fowl.Style to David is more texture and surface than shape or color. It means originality and authenticity which the mediaPage 3Friday, April 24,1970New vicarappointedWTTW auction isThe Rev. John Peter Van-just around the cornerdercook has been appointed vicar of Church of the Holy Innocents (Episcopal) in Hoffman Estates and will conducthis first service there on Sunday.FatherVandercookThe wildest week in Chi-chandise andandservices,\ / ..la ■»« tcourse, the donation is tax dei « U I Asucceeds the Rev. Russell Ford,who has ininerl the Illinois Bu-must supply through unusualmaterials and original tech-Church, Roiling Meadows, and at the Peace Unitedof his creative hands the origi-niques.One artistic collectage wall in his studio sums up his versatility of interest.Church of Christ Chancel in Bensenville.nally religious subject of madonna and child was pinched into and cast as Goldilocks andHis commissioned archi-There are huge sections of weathered wood. Some pieces are branches twisted by the wind. Another section is box-tectural designs can be viewed in the screen entitled “Waterfalls at the Palatine Nationalframed, bearing sharp tools piercing a knothole in driftwood. There are crucibles,Bank, supervised by Harold O. Klopp and Associates. Other pieces are at Wieboldt’s Market, Randhurst, Niles Publicthe Papa Bear.Again the contrast of mediaarises when the religious banners are seen. A 20-by-40-inch banner entitled “He Is Risenbeing placed in the Illinois State Museum. The Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield resulted in a purchase award and the Illinois Craftsmen biennialexhibit sent another of hisworks to the Illinois State Mu-11is hooked and stitched withLibrary and Carl Sandburgyarn.Small peek-ins and large walk-ins are another of Dave’sseum in Springfield.The next two pieces to wend their way to the state museum as permanent collection pieces were entries in “The Animalfapots, brushes, crosses; a tiny white glazed ceramic mouse with leather tail attracts threeVillage, Chicago, to mention specialties. Peek-ins are in-only a few.happy felines that purr nearby. They earn their keep by eating the replica's live relatives that may try to infest the roughly constructed studio.DURING AN interview David was making stained glass windows that were like none seen anywhere before. Within a wooden frameworkhe assembled broken free-SKETCHES, small wrestling bronze cast figures, a large madonna welded of cor-ten steel are everywhere in organized confusion. Outside in a green bush thicket there are three metal snow birds, that, according to Dave, “take complete form after a heavy snow.” All blend together to reveal the personality of the artist.form Dalle glass of bright colors. Then these were joined by tiny white stones. Over this he poured his formula of latex. The process was as ugly as the finished product was beautiful. The windows will be installed at the Holy Apostle Lutheran Church in HickoryHills,The process of creation is varied and wide for Dave. HeDavid approaches the major concept of his art with a concern for service to othersthrough art as an environmental focus.experiments with everything. There are wax images, one eventually to become redone as a taP bronze-cast senator.His inspirational designs aredisplayed in the chancel and banners of Trinity LutheranOne, a madonna, as Dave said, “just didn’t look right as he molded and remolded the clayoriginal. With a push and pullArea auxiliariesprepare forPoppy DayCook County council, first division, American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Illinois, will meet Friday, May 1, at 12:30 p.m. at the Sherman House in Chicago. Mrs.Charles J. Fencl of LaGrange Park, president, will preside. Mrs. Joseph Erazmus, firstdivision chaplain, will conduct memorial services for de-the many hospitals. Cut materials are delivered to these veterans, and boxes of poppies areready for a big sale in May.All money taken in expenses cs returned to the veterans andceased members, assisted by district chaplains. Special music will be provided.Mrs. Reinhardt Wolf, 1442 Ashland Av., Des Plaines, is serving as the first division poppy chairman.During the winter months,the poppies were made by disabled veterans in hnsnitals.their families through the service program. At the present time, thousands of veterans of Wars I, II, Korea and Vietnam are confined to beds in hospitals.Mrs. Dorothy Ward, the department of Illinois poppy chairman, will be a guestspeaker.Nominations for the new officers for the year 1970-1971 will also be held.tricately designed pieces usually executed in metal or stone with open areas. These allow the observer to view the inside,Image in Art exhibit conducted last year.Laughlin has had private showings at the Larew’s Art Gallery at 519 Main St., Evanston. One is scheduledwhile the light reflecting through other openings creates a design within. Dave is now working on a walk-inthere this Sunday.His other shows include the Brandel Center Gallery, 11-Imuch along the same lines of linois Artists Invitational andthe smaller original but large enough to allow the observerothers in New York, Michiganand many suburban areas ofto actually enter.AS A MEMBER of the Illinois Craftsmen’s Council, American Craftsmen’s Council and Guild for Religious Architecture Dave finds endlessoutlets for his work. He received the merit award of theMississippi Valley Invitational Exhibit, with his selectionChicago.Dave has written a numberof articles on crafts, reviews of craft exhibits and designed and installed a number of local, regional and one national craftsexhibition.To sum up David Laughlin one can only stand back, view his works and with reverencesay, “Magnificent.11From madonna to pap* bear, all with a few deft motions ofartist Laughlin’s creative hands.Coinciding with the advent about i I per cent have a workof the 19th annual Secretaries environment described in themm/