In late April 2011 Eric Oberhauser was able to meet the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right-Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper, by chance in Mississauga. This coincidental meeting inspired the artist to create an oil painting of the Prime Minister. In mid-February 2012 the Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, Mr. Brad Butt, kindly helped Mr. Oberhauser deliver the portrait to the Prime Minister in Ottawa. “It was a true and wonderful honour for me to say the least.” said Eric OberhauserThe artist’s Slovak roots:
Eric Oberhauser’s maternal grandfather, Valentine Pisko, was born in Veľké Rovné (near Žilina), Slovakia. He arrived in Toronto in the late 1920s, and passed away in 1957. His maternal grandmother, Mary Pisko (née Mary Mačeas), was also originally from Veľké Rovné and immigrated to Canada in 1934. She initially resided in northern Ontario (Hunta), and later lived most of her life in Toronto. Mary Pisko passed away in 1996. Both grandparents were among the original founders/supporters towards the building of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Catholic Church in Toronto at Claremont and Robinson Streets (near Queen Street West). The Church was of central importance throughout his grandmother's, Baba's, life.
Visit the Art by Oberhauser website at www.oberhauserart.com to see paintings and sculptures created by Eric Oberhauser and to learn more about the artist.
Photos:
1. Oil portrait of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right-Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper, in front of Parliament Hill’s Peace Tower by Eric Oberhauser (E. Oberhauser)
2. Prime Minister Mr. Stephen Harper and Mr. Brad Butt, MP (Mississauga-Streetsville) (Photo: PMO)
Click on the thumbnail to see the photo in full size
