THE ECHO

by Heiabeal Ainom

Each carefully placed stroke of paint came together in a canvas of emotion. Everything was put into Frida’s furrow. Passion into her frown.

Bryce Thomas Culverhouse was known around Avon High School for being a joyful substitute teacher, but when he got home, his second passion was creating art.

In an interview with Indiana Artisan, he described his art style: “I decided to develop a new style of art based solely on letter forms that create images.”

Culverhouse used specific speeches or works of a figure to create a lifelike portrait of them. This art form is called typography.

Tragically, Bryce Culverhouse passed away on September 11, 2023 at the age of 72.

In Mr. Culverhouse’s memory, students were asked what feelings some of his art expressed.

African American Collection

Angela Davis was a feminist civil rights activist who was known for her afro and political influence.

Muhammad Ali represents a beacon of hope for the African American community. He used his platform as “The Greatest” boxer to promote civil justice for all races.

Martin Luther King Jr. is displayed for his well-known “I Have a Dream” speech and his tireless efforts for racial equality during the civil rights movement.

Maya Angelou is included for her moving poetry. Her work includes the book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

“The lady in the painting looks really proud, and I like the colors Mr. Culverhouse used.” –Kiera Brooks, 11

Indigenous Peoples Collection

Culverhouse dedicates this collection to the struggles of indigenous peoples to keep their sacred land and in remembrance of the genocide against Australian Natives.

This unknown man represents all the underrepresented and forgotten peoples that Great Britain mass murdered to colonize their land. This piece is titled “I AM AUSTRALIA.”

Spotted Tail was known for his fight to preserve the traditional way of life of the Lakota people in the face of American encroachment.

Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader who led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies.

Geronimo was a leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe and became a symbol of pride for Native Americans due to his efforts in resisting the US takeover of indigenous land.

“I just noticed that he was very representative of many groups, like Native American and African American heroes.” –Leah Whitsell, 11

Influential People Collection

Frida Kahlo was known for her brilliantly colored self-portraits and infamously tragic life.

“I recognize Frida Kahlo; I like that she looks so realistic like [she’s] jumping out of the painting.” –Addison Davis, 11

Prince was incredibly popular for his talent as an American musician writing and producing a long string of hit records under his own name.

Abraham Lincoln was known for his successful presidency and efforts for emancipation of slaves.

“I enjoy the art style; it looks like there is tiny words making up each painting” –Anjola Ajayi, 11

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is famous for being the second woman in the supreme court and working for the equality of all citizens.

Freshman Laide Seb generally comments on his art and personality, “I respect Mr. Culverhouse very much he was a great person and artist, one of my favorite substitute teachers.”

Mrs. Gedert, a friend and fellow substitute to Mr. Culverhouse, remembers him: “I had never heard of typography before I met Bryce. He was such a talented artist. I loved chatting with Bryce about books we were reading, I think about him all the time.”