John Nester & Glenbard North High School - Nike the Defender

My name is John Nester. I live in Elmhurst, and I've been teaching the figure drawing class for the Elmerst Art Museum since 1997. I retired from York High School in 2007 after 38 years of teaching art, and I spent the last 16 years teaching ceramics at Elmhurst University. 

As an artist team leader for the Elmhurst Art Museum marvelosity installation. I chose to look back at history to discover the roots of superhero characters. I found inspiration in the mythological Greek gods. 

I chose the Wing Goddess of the Mattress because it is an iconic symbol. The marble statue, dating from the second century BC. Is one of the most famous icons of heroism. In fact, the state of Illinois uses the symbol on award medals for high school achievement. 

The Wing Goddess, also referred to as Nike, dominates the outline of the Illinois state map, providing the platform for high school art students to contribute their painted image of inspiring modern day heroes. 

Among their chosen heroes whom are represented here that risk their lives for others are nurses, doctors, firemen, policemen, rescue dogs, soldiers, human rights activists, and family providers. It is our hope that the heroes portrayed here remind us of the daily sacrifice they make to guard and defend us. 

I would also like to add that one of the joys of my career teaching art for over 50 years is to be a part of and contributing to a community of creators, artists, amplify, and stylize the beauty of our world. 

They also are a part of the mirror that reflects back through their art, the human condition. Nothing brings home this experience more for me than having the opportunity to work with students on a project like this. 

A special thank you to artist Samantha DiCarlo, who was a star student in my Apr class at York High School years ago. Now, meeting new artists and working with Samantha from the past, who is a longtime friend, and to see her own artwork blossom to surpass the teacher and the teacher becomes the student is most rewarding. 

Thank you for attending this special event and I hope you enjoy the Marvelocity installations.