Magyar News, 1994. szeptember-1995. augusztus (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1994-09-01 / 1. szám
...AND THE PAINTBRUSH DRIED UP Friends, colleagues, admirers, and family filled theTrinity Episcopal ianChurch in Southport. They all gathered for the memorial service of Stevan Dohanos, a painter and i 11 ustrator, who died July 4,1994, at the age of 87. The Hungarian community was represented by August J. Molnár, president of the American Hungarian Foundation, Dr. Alexander Havadtoy, retired pastor of Calvin UCC, Joe Csatari, painter, and Joseph F. Balogh, American Hungarian Heritage Association. I met Stevan Dohanos many years ago, shortly after I arrived in America. It was a March 15 celebration at the Dokus Hall in Norwalk. He was the guest speaker. His speech was very personal. He talked about Hungarian immigrants, and also about the community in Lorain, Ohio, where he grew up. Only later at the reception did 1 find out that he was an outstanding artist. He was never forward about his success, but in a charming way he made everybody talk— and he listened. In the earlier years, Stevan Dohanos had stronger tics with our Hungarian community. We have some of his paintings at our churches. Even his son made a contribution with one of his own Hungarian paintings. But for some reason, these churches, competing for Dohanos, put too much pressure on him. He came to the conclusion that his presence had an adverse effect. Later on his connection to the Hungarian community was through the American Hungarian Heritage Association. When we had the memorial sendee forFairficld’sTown Clerk, Mary Katona, Stevan generously painted a portrait of her. With the Association, Stevan hung the portrait in the lobby of Fairfield Town Hall. Stevan Dohanos was born in Lorain, Ohio; his parents were immigrant Hungarians working in the local steel mill. When he was 21 years old, he traveled through Europe on bicycle and stopped at the village in Hungary where his parents came from. A few years later, as an artist, we saw him at many exhibits winning several awards. After living in New York he settled in Westport. In his 30’s he was commissioned to do murals of historical events and started on the road to illustrate 125 of the Saturday Evening Post covers. When he designed the Christmas Seal, he met President Roosevelt, and after that Stevan got involved in postal stamps. He personally designed 40 USA stamps, and in a 22-year span, he was responsible for 325. In recognition of his service, the U.S. Postal Service’s Hall of Stamps was dedicated to Stevan Dohanos. His paintings reflect the American way of life, the people and the objects they live with. He presented them in a very selective manner. His expressions were sincere, honest, uncluttered, and to the point. He presented us with the true image of “Americana.” Here I have to stop for a moment. What happened to the presentation of Hungarian life? Well Dohanos, a couple of decades ago, Raveled to Hungary and asked for permission to rent a house along Lake Balaton. The short-sighted communistgovemment refused to grant permission, and Dohanos came home with a single picture. It depicted, in his usual style, a stork, the nest, and the chimney of a peasant house. Mary Katona was the lucky one to obtain it for her collection. I am sure that if Stevan Dohanos had spent time in Hungary, he would have created something that we might call “Hungaricana.” These images would be on the walls of museums and galleries. Americana and Hungaricana would be next to each other. Unfortunately, it is too late. As Stevan told me once, the only thing he really regretted in life was that he couldn’t paint in Hungary. We, the Hungarian people and community also regret that the proper environment for the creation of “Hungaricana” could not be fostered during Stevan Dohanos’ lifetime. May God keep him in peace. Joseph F. Balogh GnfcJ Wy, ___* ' 7" £1 ■: GREENGARDEN REALTY INC. JIM BALIAS Free property evaluation. Thinking about purchasing another home? Considering relocation? LET ME ASSIST YOU! CALL TODAY! Office: 375-0295, (800) 457-4470 Residence: 853-0260 4942 Main St., Bridgeport, CT Each office is Independently Owned and Operated The young Stevan Dohanos working on a mural STEVAN DOHANOS May 18, 1907-July 4, 1994 page 4
