William Raymond Hicks painted "Torch Pass" in 1998. It is acrylic on an oval 24" x 20" canvas. William was inspired to paint it while attending a Torch Pass ceremony being conducted by Lifespring in Santa Monica, California. Lifespring was a workshop committed to personal growth, and is where he met his wife, Elise, while taking the Leadership Program in 1996 (it is now MITT in Los Angeles).
William donated Torch Pass to City of Hope on June 8, 2002 after he heard the reading of City of Hope's "The Torchbearer's Creed," written by City of Hope's Founders, and initially read by Florence Henderson at the 2001 Convention. Following is an announcement printed in the City of Hope Newsletter:
"On Saturday, June 8, 2002, artist William R. Hicks, a member of the Mark Klass Too "Next Generation" Chapter for City of Hope dedicated his painting titled "Torch Pass" to City of Hope. It depicts passing the torch from generation to generation and will hang at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte to inspire future generations of supporters. The dedication was attended by over 40 individuals, which included chapter members, friends and family."
The Torch is the perfect image to commemorate the Olympic games. The Olympic games originated in ancient Greece, but the Torch symbolism goes back much further. Ancient writings have been discovered that mention the Goddess Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt and of the Moon, as being the light-bearer - and depictions are shown of her lighting the way for others with a torch, which is also a symbolic reminder of the fiery nature of the Goddess. The mythology of Diana was passed along and reached France. When The United States won her independence from England, the French gave the US a gift to symbolize our ongoing commitment to freedom, liberty and justice. The goddess Diana, our light-bearer, was depicted once again in the form of the Statue of Liberty.
Signed Lithographs are available. 40% of the proceeds go to benefit Torch Foundation, which provides empowerment training for at-risk youth in the greater Los Angeles area. Give yourself, or someone who has made a difference in your life, the gift of "Torch Pass." It is perfect for a home or office, and reminds us of the difference we make in the world and the legacy we leave behind...
Every choice we make impacts the legacy we are creating.
What do you want to communicate to the world? Find out about The Torch Pass Campaign.
