IRVING, Texas (October 2002)—American artist Joseph Csatari unveiled
his most recent Scouting painting to the general public at a recent event at the
newly dedicated National Scouting Museum. The painting, Prepared to Do a Good Turn,
depicts police, firefighters, rescue workers, and Scouts coming to the aid of the
victims of the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center.
The painting will become part of the collection housed in the museum's Norman
Rockwell Art Gallery, which includes paintings by Rockwell, Csatari, Walt Disney,
and others.
During the unveiling ceremony, BSA Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams praised
Csatari and his contributions to the Scouting movement.
"We are thankful to have a person with the talents of Joe Csatari so dedicated
to communicating the ideals and values of Scouting through his paintings," Williams
said. "He is indeed a true friend of the Scouting movement and a great American."
Csatari, a freelance painter and illustrator, is the BSA's chosen heir to Norman
Rockwell. He assumed the annual calendar painting commission from the retiring
Rockwell in 1976.
Csatari joined the staff of the BSA National Council in 1953 as a layout artist
in the Supply Division's advertising department.
In 1973, he was named art director of Boys' Life magazine. During this time he
had begun working closely with Norman Rockwell as the famed illustrator created his
annual Boy Scout calendar paintings.
"I am humbled to have my works of art housed here at the National Scouting Museum
alongside those of my mentor [Rockwell]," Csatari said. "This new museum, where they
will hang, is an awesome tribute to the Scouting movement and a wonderful resource
for American families."
In his remarks, Csatari said Prepared to Do a Good Turn was inspired by the
service that police, emergency workers, and Scouts provided in the aftermath of the
terrorist attacks of September 2001.
"I drew inspiration from the emergency workers, everyday Americans, and Scouts
in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania," Csatari said. "I wanted to depict
some of the actual policemen, firefighters, and emergency personnel. Many of the men
I met at ground zero expressed their sincere and deep feelings about Scouting and how
it prepared them for their important work."
About the National Scouting Museum
Originally located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the National Scouting Museum was
established in 1959 to serve as the official museum of the Boy Scouts of America. Most
recently, the museum was housed on the campus of Murray State University in Murray,
Kentucky, where it remained until last year. In October 2002, the National Scouting
Museum opened adjacent to the national headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America in
Irving, Texas.
For more information about the National Scouting Museum, visit its Web site at
www.bsamuseum.org.
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