When you come to Shomrei Torah Synagogue on October 18, 2015 you will see a lot of Jeffrey Packard. The artwork inside and outside attests to Mr. Packard’s love for his synagogue. For many years, Mr. Packard devoted a great amount of time and energy to the growth of the synagogue.
Beginning in 1982, his love for the synagogue was displayed when he received the commission to create all of the artwork in the synagogue. This project included all of the art and design related to the aron, neir tamid, and amud. He also played a big role in creating the Holocaust memorial, the dedication plaque and the mikvah mosaic in the synagogue.
On October 18, in addition to seeing the beautiful synagogue, you will have a chance to see many of Packard’s oil and watercolor paintings. Additionally, he will display his prints, sketches, sculptures, stained glass and some examples of his site specific installations.
How could you sum up the art of Jeffrey Packard in just a few words? You would say that Packard is a group show and more! Take for example, Packard’s oil painting entitled “In the Orchard.” You enter figuratively the Beit HaMikdash into an other-worldly-presence that you are drawn into by the white space between the pillars. Another example is a stained glass construction entitled “Boundless Gratitude.” Packard made the piece around a glass box that has two plastic chickens facing each other with a light bulb sealed inside. The third example is entitled “Café Thou Art.” It is a neon sign in a suitcase announcing the opening of a café that binds the universe together with art.
Mr. Packard was born in Passaic, NJ and later moved with his parents to the fledgling community of Fair Lawn. He graduated as the High School President of the Class of ‘69 and then went to Cornell University. In 1971, Packard recalls his first trip to hear the Rebbe speak. Seeing 10,000 Jews hanging onto his every word was completely amazing because he had never experienced Jewish passion before. The American boy had a wake-up call that started his search as a man and the love of Kathi and her belief in him turned the key. The rest is history.
Jeffrey Packard will present his show on October 18 from 7pm until 10pm.
In addition to his tremendous art contribution to the synagogue, Mr. Packard is a Board Trustee and is devoted to Rabbi Benjamin and Shevi Yudin.
All his works are for sale. Come and enjoy!
