Dye soon to be art

Portraitist studies the President at work

When Sarah Belchetz-Swenson OC'60 left Oberlin, she never planned to come back. A call from the president helped change her mind.

Belchetz-Swenson was selected to paint the official portrait of President Nancy Dye. Oberlin College Presidents are given great discretion in choosing their portraitist. Former president S. Fred Starr comissioned his mother, Ivy Jane Edmonson Starr, to immortalize him in oil.

A number of portfolios were presented to Dye. Assistant to the President Diana Roose said, "She chose the one she thought was best. It just so happened it was an Oberlin alum."

Belchetz-Swenson has spent the last four days following Dye. "I accompany her and plan a painting in my mind," Belchetz-Swenson said.

Belchetz-Swenson has been impressed with Dye. "I didn't have a spectacularly wonderful career at Oberlin," she said. "But I feel differently now."

"I was very moved by seeing her at work," Belchetz-Swenson said of Dye. "I hope to reflect that in the portrait."

Belchetz-Swenson painted the portrait of Emil Danenberg, seventh president of the College. The portraits of the former presidents hang in roughly chronological order in Mudd Center. The portrait of Dye will be unveiled after she has concluded her presidency.