[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 66 (Thursday, April 28, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING TERRY REDLIN

  Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to be allowed to 
display this Terry Redlin painting during my speech.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Terry Redlin, a 
citizen of South Dakota who rose to fame in the 1970s as an artist 
known for his vivid and vibrant outdoor paintings.
  On Sunday, April 24, 2016, Terry passed away at the age of 78 in 
Watertown, where he was born and raised. Our entire State was deeply 
saddened to hear of his passing. Terry spent his life promoting South 
Dakota, and he shared his appreciation for our great State with the 
entire world through his paintings. He will be missed deeply, not only 
by his family and loved ones but by all who admired his work throughout 
his very distinguished career.
  Growing up, Terry liked to draw. He didn't think he would become an 
artist, though. As an avid outdoorsman, he wanted to be a forest ranger 
so there would be plenty of opportunities to hunt and fish when he 
wasn't working. Then, tragically, at the age of 15, his life was 
changed forever. He was badly hurt in a motorcycle accident, and his 
leg had to be amputated. Becoming a forest ranger was now impossible 
for Terry, but Terry didn't let that stop him from pursuing greatness.
  After graduating high school, Terry received a disability scholarship 
to help further his education. Using it, he earned a degree from the 
St. Paul School of Associated Arts and spent 25 successful years 
working in commercial art as a layout artist, graphic designer, 
illustrator, and art director. In his spare time, he enjoyed 
photography, particularly of the outdoors and wildlife. Then he started 
painting from his photographs and from his memories.
  In 1977, at the age of 40, Redlin's painting ``Winter Snows'' 
appeared on the cover of The Farmer magazine. He quickly rose to 
prominence as an exceptional artist and started painting full time. 
From 1990 to 1998, each year's poll of national art galleries by U.S. 
Art Magazine selected Terry Redlin as ``America's Most Popular 
Artist.''
  Over the years, many people have tried to describe the effect Terry's 
paintings had on them. People connect with his paintings. They inspire 
us to remember personal memories of past times, places, and 
experiences. Your heart is tugged when you look at them. There is 
peacefulness and warmth. Terry used to call it romantic realism, but 
mere words simply cannot describe it. As you can see from this Redlin 
painting beside me entitled ``America, America,'' which I brought with 
me from my front office where it normally hangs, the beauty of his 
paintings is truly indescribable.
  His son convinced him to stop selling original paintings and just 
sell prints. Someday, he said, they would build a beautiful art gallery 
to display all of the originals. And they did. It could have been built 
in the Twin Cities, where he lived for a time, or a large metropolitan 
area, because Terry's paintings are loved everywhere. Terry chose his 
hometown of Watertown, SD, for the construction of the Redlin Art 
Center. It was a gift to his home State and hometown for that $1,500 
scholarship he was given all those years ago, which created a wonderful 
life for him and his family.
  Three million visitors came to the Redlin Art Center in the first 3 
years and many more millions since then. Terry would sometimes walk 
into the galleries unannounced and visit with guests who would then ask 
the front desk: Who is that nice guy? When told it was Terry, they were 
shocked and delighted.
  Once Terry was seen driving slowly through the parking lot. When 
asked what he was doing, he said he was looking at all the different 
license plates and what they were doing there. He said he was amazed 
that people would travel so far just to see his paintings.
  Terry was also generous to the subjects of many of his creations. His 
paintings and prints have been used by various wildlife and 
conservation groups to raise more than $40 million to benefit their 
causes.
  For those of us who were blessed with the opportunity to meet and 
know Terry Redlin, we always came away feeling like he was our friend--
so wonderful, so kind, and so humble. For those who know him through 
his paintings, his spirit shone brightly in all of his work.
  As we mourn his death and pray for his loved ones during this 
difficult time, may we find comfort knowing that the legacy which he 
leaves behind through his paintings will be enjoyed and appreciated for 
generations to come. He was a great painter but an even greater human 
being.
  Terry once said that he wanted to paint forever, that he had to 
paint. Terry said it was like breathing to him. Unfortunately, illness 
forced him into retirement in 2007, and on Sunday, April 24, 2016, the 
Lord brought Terry up to Heaven. Now he can breathe again.
  Thank you, Mr. President.
  I yield the floor.

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