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Mystery Painting Analyzed by Tom Transue October 28, 1977

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     The surrealistic painting adjacent to the English office in the middle school has been the source of many puzzled faces since its creation in 1972 by then senior John Vanderhyden.

     The artist claims the painting has no specific meaning but students and teachers have found many ways of interpreting its surreal construction.  For example one intent viewer swears that the painting depicts "the effects of nuclear war on mankind."  Another observer offered the analysis that it represents "the hand of God creating the universe/"

     Since graduating, artist Vanderhyden has gone on to paint large murals in many businesses around our area.  He is currently working on a three wall mural in Oakton's Alpine Ski  Shop and has completed murals for other local stores.