John Tillar: the largest heart portrait of john tillar by jacqueline lewis

From Angela Tillar, John’s sister: John Leon Tillar the 3rd was born on August 12, 1968, the youngest of three. He was an exceptional student and altar boy at St. Rita's. His kindness, compassion, and willingness to be helpful was remarkable. He always strove to do God's work, even at that young age. After high school and serving in the military he worked for the Philadelphia Shelter system as a housing counselor, on the code blue team, and feeding the homeless. He was a little man with a giant heart, accomplishing more in his 25 years than most could dream of doing. He survived being shot for two weeks and died surrounded by family and loved ones. The family realized not only was he our rock but he was for many around him. Philadelphia named a conference room in his honor. He received five citations and awards  - it is obvious his life was to do God's work. To this day, 25 years later, he is still remembered and thanked by the people he helped. To lose a loved one to murder is hard but to know his legacy will live forever brings joy to all of us.  His loss was great and his family suffers still but take comfort that his life was so meaningful to so many. He was murdered at 25 and 25 years later our love for him still remains the same.  Thank you for this portrait.  We are proud and overjoyed.  John Tillar 3rd is gone but never forgotten.  In his words, Peace.

From the artist Jacqueline Lewis: John Tillar was beloved, kind and charismatic. His death on June 6, 1994 left an unspeakable void.  He was 25. This painting is dedicated to Miss Brenda, Angela, Jenneane Tillar, and the many others who loved John. May his warmth shine on them forever.

From the curator: I hope that Jacqueline will not mind if I share that a working title for one of her preliminary portraits of John was  St. John of North Broad. She chose to frame his head, as in icons, with a gorgeous gold leaf circle - a halo - to honor this young man’s dedication to helping all who he could while he was with us on this earth.

John Tillar: The Largest Heart Portrait of John Tillar by Jacqueline Lewis oil and gold leaf on canvas 16” x 20” 2018