Wanda, Charles (Art). Bob Ross comments on Brother Charles Wanda: Charlie was our art teacher during my senior year. I remember how hw would have music playing when we entered the art room (on the school’s third floor). The music was often from movies such as Gone with the Wind. This helped create a relaxed atmosphere for us to gather our drawing boards, pencils, paints, or whatever.

Charlie lived in Euclid, fairly close to me, and would often pick me up and drive me the three miles to school. We became good friends and after graduation, we drove together to Washington, DC, to visit my relatives. I went to the University of Dayton and enrolled in their Art Education department as a result of Charlie’s influence (he had graduated from this department). He also befriended my parents and frequently met with them while I was away.

Then, after one year of college, I decided to join the Marianists. I went over to his home to tell him. First thing he said to me was “You are not alone.� While I was at UD, he was talking with Brother Phil Eichner about joining the SM. What a great surprise this was!

After one year of novitiate, having already graduated from college, Charlie was assigned to Moeller High School in Cincinnati. He remained there many years until he retired from teaching. Then he was assigned to Dayton and continues his beautiful painting in the Marianist Art Studio.

After I graduated from UD, I too was assigned to Moeller. Reunited again with Brother Charlie…  He is deeply spiritual as well as a great artist!

Bill Samolis (who was also in his art calss) remembered an incident in which Charlie received mail at the school addressed to a woman: 'Wanda Charles.'

Dave Pfriem adds: Brother Charles Wanda remains a Marianist and is still deeply involved in art, working on Marianist art at Gallery Chaminade at the Bergamo campus of the University of Dayton.
Posted By: Administrator - 11-18-2012
Views: 1611