WILLIAMSBURG — Local artist Thomas Ema, senior class president of Lafayette High School’s first graduating class in 1974, and his fellow graduates recently presented an original 12-by-16-inch oil-on-canvas painting by Ema of the school’s mascot to the school.
“I’m honored my classmates trusted me to create a painting to represent our entire class of 1974 and the fondness, community, and pride we feel as the first graduating class of Lafayette High School,” said Ema.
According to WJCC Schools, the painting commemorates the 50th anniversary of Lafayette High School’s first graduating class and features a majestic ram on a snowy hillside, inspired by a 1950s postcard.
“Much of the history and school spirit present at Lafayette High School today traces its foundation back to contributions made by this first graduating class. Students today value the deep roots and strong sense of community started by this group of former students,” said Paul Rice, Lafayette High School Principal. “We appreciate this generous gift from the Class of 1974 and admire the talent required to create such a masterpiece.”
Ema is a Williamsburg native who developed his passion for painting while pursuing a fine arts degree at Virginia Tech. He transferred to the Kansas City Art Institute, where he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design.
As part of his process, Ema often photographs landmarks in the perfect lighting, and these photographs form the basis of his future paintings, the school division noted.
A collection of Ema’s paintings can be found locally at The Downtown Gallery in Williamsburg.
