A Tribute to Edmund Demers from the Eisenhower College Alumni Association

Introduction

The following tribute was recently published by the Eisenhower College Alumni Association in its bulletin, World Studies XI, and is reprinted here with its permission. Edmund Demers finished his career as a professor of arts when he retired in 1982 after teaching at Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls, N. Y., since 1970. From 1954 to 1970, he was a professor of arts at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. 

Remembrance of Dr. Edmund R. Demers

In celebration of the life of Dr. Edmund R. Demers, fifteen of his artworks are displayed. If Eisenhower College were open, a suitable venue on campus would be sought for this exhibit. On the other hand, this method of display as a supplement will be seen by all generations of Ikesters.

A striking feature of this collection is the diversity of its media. There are oil, watercolor, ink, pencil, calligraphy, woodcarving, and ceramics. The messages include nostalgia for Eisenhower College’s Red Barn in two sketches, lightness and joy in two untitled sun-drenched oil paintings, the horror of war and blind industrialization against learning and the humanities in “Invasion of Science,” and Ed’s deep religious faith in “Three Magi.”

The biggest omission here is an image of one of Ed’s musical instruments. During the 1970s and 1980s, he made many four-string dulcimers, which are often called Appalachian dulcimers.
In the 2000s, he made banjos and other stringed instruments. Ed loved 19th century American music.

While at Eisenhower College, he found a group of shape-note singers in the Southern Tier of New York and joined in when he could. He was excited about attending a rare event for real clog dancers in the Syracuse area. In a very private and secure setting among trusted friends, while playing one of his dulcimers, Ed would sing songs from the 19th century in one of the most unexpected, beautiful, and haunting voices.

The Red Barn View to the Lake (1978).

Ink on Sketch Pad; 8.5" x 6".

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Door Handle at the Red Barn (1978).

Ink on Sketchpad; 6.5" x 2.75".

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If you will not when you may, you may not when you will (1981).

[Si vous ne le ferez pas quand vous le pourrez, vous ne pourrez pas le faire quand vous le voudrez.]

Ink and watercolor; 8.25" x 23.5".

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Untitled (c.1980).

Wood barn beam; 14" long x 7" high x 6" wide.

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Imposing Chicken (c.1980).

Wood barn beam; 12" long x 7.5" high x 7.25" wide.

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Chief Turkey Flies (1979).

Oil on canvas; 7" x 5".

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Wall of Laon, France (1956).

Pencil on sketchpad; 8" x 11.5".

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Poinsettia Santa (1985).

Ink on paper, 2.75" x 3.5".

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Untitled (c.1970).

Ceramic; 11" x 10" x 5".

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Invasion of Science (c.1965).

Oil on canvas board; 14.5" x 18".

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Winter Scene South of Finger Lakes (1981).

Oil on canvas; 16" x 7".

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Untitled (1965)

Oil on canvas board; 16" x 20".

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Untitled (1965)

Oil on canvas board; 16" x 20".

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Invasion of Science (c.1965).

Oil on canvas board; 14.5" x 18".

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Maple Sugar Shack (1982).

Ink and watercolor on paper; 4" x 7".

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Three Magi (c.1970).

Oil on canvas; 24" x 18"; unfinished.

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Acknowledgements

This tribute to Edmund Demers is republished here with the permission of the Eisenhower College Alumni Association. I want to thank it for its ready willingness to share the remembrance on the blog so that more friends and family of Edmund can have the opportunity to see it. The text and images are subject to protections afforded under the copyright laws of the United States.

Also, thank you Cécile and Jeanne d'Arc Leblanc of Victoriaville, Québec, cousins of both Edmund and me, for your help with the French language version of the post.