It sits on the South Eastern side of Yoctangee Park in historical Chillicothe, Ohio. The Pump House Art Gallery.
I have mentioned it plenty of times before, and even did an interview with the founder, and world renowned artist, Ted W. Fickisen.
But today, I wanted to share with you the history of The Pump House Art Gallery in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Even in 1882 the people of Chillicothe enjoyed this part of the city. Citizens came to Yoctangee Park in their horse-drawn carriages and had picnics. The park was becoming an integral part of the city's cultural life. When it was deemed necessary to build a pumping station for the city of Chillicothe, it was decided to be built in Yoctangee Park, and it was also decided that the building be both, functional and an architectural addition to the park.
The Pump House and Water Works, built in 1882 by the Chillicothe Gas, Light and Water Works once housed large, powerful, brass pumps used to fight fires that periodically destroyed parts of the city during Chillicothe's early history.
Engaged through a deep well (25 feet in diameter and 12 feet deep), located next to the pump house, the water was pumped from the Teays Aquifer beneath Yoctangee Park and propelled through 16 feet cast iron pipes to a reservoir located on Carlisle Hill. When needed, the water was released through the pipes back down the hill to 100 fire hydrants placed throughout the city. The spring from the ancient Teays that fed the aquifer was so powerful that the engines could pump over six thousand gallons of water per minute. Today, these same cast iron water pipes still carry water through the city.
As the city grew, inside water taps became the norm and The Pumping Station was deemed insufficient for the growing population. For a number of years the building was used by the city service department. Road equipment was stored in the building, as was salt for use on icy roads. By the mid 1970's, the building was in a state of disrepair. At this point, the city government felt that the building should be torn down. In their eyes, it had out served its purpose.
Preservationists and the Jaycees of Chillicothe pleaded with the city to keep the building and not destroy it, citing its historical value to the community as a primary reason to leave it standing, and to restore it. The Jaycees even used the building as a haunted house during this time in an attempt to raise money for restoration costs.
In 1984, the building was condemned.
Then, a group of artists, led by Mr. Ted William Fickisen, preservationists, and local attorney, Jim Barrington, formed a coalition to restore and preserve the building. The old pump house was leased to a board of trustees in 1986 as a historic center for the arts. Then came the daunting task of turning an old pump house into an art gallery. The roof was so rotted that major portions had to be rebuilt. The limestone foundation had crumbled. All the windows and doors were bricked in and nailed shut. There was no permanent floor and no electricity or water.
This founding group, along with other interested residents, established a Board of Trustees and they raised the $160,000.00 dollars needed for the restoration part of the project. A philanthropist and builder, Wilbur Poole, took on the incredible task of restoring the building as it is today. Coursework had to be replaced, bricks repaired, floors poured, electricity and water installed, and the walls rebuilt. Slowly, but surely, the rooms were transformed into a place where exhibits could be hung and viewed.
THE PUMP HOUSE is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The building features a large central tower colorfully patterned with glazed ceramic tiles, eight Palladian windows, common-bond brick work on the interior that has piano key dentil design around the windows. The two cathedral galleries are ornately paneled in vaulted, dark, tongue and groove oak construction, similar to the treatment on a ship's interior.
In November 1979, the Pump House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
And so we have come to the last part of my interview with world renowned pen and ink artist, Ted William Fickisen.
In this part, Ted takes us on a tour of the Pump House Art Gallery where you get to see some wonderful paintings from local and not so local artists.
I realize, and so will you, that the video was inverted. You'll recognize this when we enter Wilbur B. Poole North Gallery. I suppose I was just so excited about the interview and everything that I forgot to reset my video settings. (I sometimes shoot videos inverted. I don't know why. I'm blonde that way I reckon.)
To this point, you may recall in our interview where Ted mentions the new addition planned for August 2016. The cafe' and educational building. The photo to the right gives you an idea of what that addition will look like.
In this portion, during the tour, Ted mentions some upcoming events, a fund raiser for the new addition of the Pump House, and for the historical Majestic Theater in downtown Chillicothe, Ohio, which will include 60's music, and highlights from the Broadway musical "Hair". The performing arts is no stranger to Chillicothe as we also have the world famous outdoor drama "Tecumseh" as one of Chillicothe's summertime attractions for tourists who flock to my hometown from all parts of the world just to see it. For residents who wish to showcase their acting skills, Chillicothe offers that opportunity. Many top credited Broadway performers have performed in the outdoor drama of "Tecumseh" through the many years. In fact, John Mellencamp used to be a resident here once upon a time, and has performed concerts in Chillicothe a time or two in the past.
Then on May 17th, 2014, The Pump House Art Gallery will be holding a 60's theme art show where all artists near and far are welcomed to submit any of their artwork that displays a theme from the 1960's. So if you're an artist and you wish to participate and display your artwork for this show, contact the Pump House for more information. Their phone number is (740) 772-5783.
For everyone (and anyone) else, if you ever find yourself in Chillicothe, Ohio, drop by the Pump House Art Gallery in Yoctangee Park, Enderlin Circle and say hello to Ted. Nothing would make him happier. You might even be able to get him to pose for a picture or two. Rest assured, you will have an enjoyable time, Carz promise. Now, back to Part Three of the Ted W. Fickisen interview.
Here in part two, I get to share with you some of Mr. Fickisen's work. To the left, you will see the Carlisle Building located in downtown Chillicothe, Ohio. This building holds great historical significance, and is one of the oldest buildings in Chillicothe.
About ten years ago, it suffered a major fire, forcing shop owners inside to shut down most of their business for years until restoration and remodeling was completed.
It sits on the corner of Paint street and Main street, close to the law enforcement center.
"Casa Loma Castle" - Ted W. Fickisen
To the right is Casa Loma Castle which is located in Toronto, Canada.
Keep in mind that it takes Mr. Fickisen anywhere from 100 to 150 hours to complete one drawing, sometimes longer.
Mr. Fickisen's style is different from most other pen and ink artists. His method is the 'dot-dot-dot' method, meaning that no lines are drawn, everything is done with dots, kind of like a modern day computer ink printer.
I almost hate to think how long a drawing such as this might have taken to complete. One must exercise great patience and focus to draw by the dot method.
"Santa Maria" - Ted W. Fickisen
To the left is Ted's drawing of the famous ship, the Santa Maria.I am always amazed at Ted's "attention to detail", and to think that Mr. Fickisen is "legally" blind. Yet piece after piece and for each individual dot he makes, the end result is a magnificent picture. Truly stunning work. Wouldn't you agree?
In this portion of our interview, Mr. Fickisen displays stunning works of creation from Zimbabwe. The Pump House Art Gallery sells exclusive pieces of art to support The Zienzele Foundation - Dawning of Hope for Orphans and Their Caregivers in Rural Zimbabwe. They are collective baskets and and Chidudus (pots with covers). When you buy a Zienzele basket at the Pump House, every cent goes to pay school fees for orphans in Zimbabwe. Also, you are helping to preserve a traditional African craft that might otherwise die out. Finally - and this is hugely important - you are encouraging women and the orphans in their care to believe in themselves, to believe that through their own efforts, they can achieve a better life.
Zienzele baskets are made by 36 groups of women. They are created using fibers from the sisal plant. The fibers are twined and wrapped around a core of sweet grass. Most colors in the baskets are created by boiling the fibers with various tree barks, or flower blossoms, or in a few cases, by using the plastic string from fruit bags. The dark blue colors are created by boiling the fibers with carbon paper.
The baskets are generally bowl-shaped, but there are also canister-style baskets called "chidudus" that come with covers. All are hand-made, all represent hours of labor, and no two are alike. These baskets are all original expressions of their makers' taste and creativity, so they can not be ordered in pre-set patterns or color schemes. Prices are determined simply by approximate size.
It sits on the East side of Yoctangee Park, in the historical city of Chillicothe, Ohio with a population of 21,735 as of the 2012 US Census Bureau. It is the Pump House Art Gallery. A historical building that in 1982, was seemingly destined for destruction, like some other historical buildings during that time. Enter Ted William Fickisen, a young ambitious man with an extraordinary gift, the gift of foresight.
Ted W. Fickisen is a world renowned pen and ink artist, but before I can even begin to describe Ted Fickisen the artist, I first have to describe Ted Fickisen the man. You see, Ted Fickisen is not your average Joe, and yet, he would be the first to say that he's just a regular guy. When you meet him, you can tell right away that he is a very special human being. His warm smile, gentle eyes, and soft spoken voice immediately tells you that you are in the presence of humble greatness.
On the surface, one would think that with Ted Fickisen, and his amazing God given talent, everything would be about him and his art, but one would be mistaken. Ted Fickisen spends more time preserving not only the integrity of his field, but the history of the community he loves so much. I have never met an artist, or a man, more concerned about the world around him than the art itself in which he creates.
With his dear friend, Charles Queen, by his side, he was able to save the historic pump house from doom, and after eight years of fund raising, gave Chillicothe it's greatest gift, an art gallery, that in my opinion, is second to none anywhere on this planet.
It's not just the amazing art work you will discover when you enter the doors, there's amazing art work in every art gallery, but it's the atmosphere and the people, who volunteer their time to keep this gallery operating, that makes The Pump House Art Gallery so unique.
The foresight of Ted Fickisen, married with his passion for history, his love for his community, and his artistic ability, preserved the past of historic Chillicothe by capturing it in his artwork as they once stood. His activism also saved many historical buildings in Chillicothe from being torn down, and has helped to shape this small town into what it is today; rich in historical tradition.
His legacy is more than being known as one of the greatest pen and ink artists that ever lived, it is a legacy of the human being Ted Fickisen was born to become. A legacy of a man who gave back more than what he has ever received.
Ted Fickisen has spent most of his life dedicated to becoming not only the best artist that he could possibly be, but the best person as well. His charitable contributions are well known throughout this small community which includes, donating his artwork to the "Rock For Tots" organization to auction off, with all proceeds going to the children of needy families.
Even through the many tragedies of his life, Ted Fickisen has maintained his positive outlook on life, and his close relationship with God. He is always looking for the silver lining. He takes things in stride, and pushes through to accomplish his life goals. He never takes on a task with the attitude of "let's try and get it done", but rather, "let's just get it done". This would explain why he has succeeded more times in his life than failed. It's his perseverance that separates him from all the rest.
Pilot of the Highway - Ted W. Fickisen
On a personal level, I met Ted Fickisen in the year of 1995. His friendship, and kindness has left an eternal impression on me every since. I am more than proud to call him my friend, I am honored. For to know Ted Fickisen the man is to know what it was that my mother wanted for me as an adult when I was a young boy growing up. To be someone that everyone else could look up to. To lead by example. To be more than just the artist that resides within.
During a difficult time in my life, Ted Fickisen opened the doors of his Victorian Mansion to me, and helped to steer my thoughts in a more positive direction. In fact, it was his teachings that led me to discovering the artist inside that was dying to get out. Between him, and Charles Queen, they would lay down the foundation for which I could build my own dreams and turn them into the reality that they are now. I suppose one could say that had I never met Ted and Charlie, I doubt I would have ever written and recorded one song, much less the 23 songs I have written thus far in my own life, and be able to share on my Youtube Channel. Nor would I have ever written and published my books. This also means that there would have never been a Carroll Bryant Blog which ironically, I am now fortunate to write about the man who was the inspiration for it all. This is what I call karma coming back home to roost. This is the magic of Ted Fickisen the man.
Imagine my surprise when one fine day, not so long ago, I asked him if he would like to do an interview for my blog, and he said yes. I was very excited. To make things more interesting, he welcomed a video interview. Now, I have never done a video interview before so I wasn't quite sure how it would turn out. Even more frightful, my video camera had seen its last days so in order to pull this off, I had to rely on my trusty laptop. But Ted, he is a pro at giving interviews. He has had many interviews with the media. I was counting on his experience to get me through this new and uncharted territory. Over all, I think it turned out well. So, on December 5th, 2013, he and I got together, meeting at his home away from home, The Pump House Art Gallery and conducted an interview. An interview that I broken down into three parts. Today you get to see Part One. Tomorrow, Part Two, and the next day we end with Part Three which is a tour of the Pump House Gallery itself.
Also in Part Two, I will be posting pictures of some of Ted's work. I think you will enjoy it. Through it all, you will come to know, and learn about this amazingly talented artist as well as amazing man, and the art gallery that his foresight, vision, and his long time efforts has produced for the community he loves, and the rest of the world to enjoy. A legacy that could only have been given to one man, and one man only, and that man was Ted William Fickisen.
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