Arts in Residence
In Memory of Jim Lynch
We were honored to have Mr. James L. (Jim) Lynch on The Foundation Academy staff. Mr. Lynch had over 25 years of experience as a commercial artist. His strength is in his range; he is a designer, painter, sculptor and manufacturer.
Lynch put his local work on hold for almost two years, when he was commissioned in 2003 by Coriell Studios to sculpt a 62-foot image of Christ for a large Ohio congregation. “king of Kings” was installed outside Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio. Only 100 yards from Interstate 75, the sculpture has caused quite a stir. After receiving extensive media coverage (including CNN, CNBC, and many daily newspapers), the sculpture is now the subject of rave reviews and angry criticism all over the web. What is art that doesn’t evoke strong emotion? Lynch’s other religious sculptures and reliefs also commissioned by Coriell Studios over the last ten years are prominently displayed at many cathedrals around the country.
For the Entertainment Industry, Lynch has created sculpture and scenic art. At Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, for the dark ride IMAX’s Race for Atlantis, Lynch sculpted a 23-foot Neptune. The MGM Grand and the Luxor also feature Lynch’s sculptures – those at the Luxor appeared in the motion picture “Mars Attacks,” staring Jack Nicholson and Glenn Close. While working in Orlando, Lynch was commissioned by Wald Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and FAO Schwartz.
Lynch has been in Jacksonville Beach since January of 2000, when he settled here convinced he could not find a more beautiful community in which to raise his teenage daughters. In 2014, at The Foundation Academy, Mr. Lynch taught the Theater Tech class. The goal of the class was to teach students to design and build sets and props that will inspire and elevate the performances of everyone involved in the drama productions. Due to the nature of set design and construction, students will learn many applications unique to theatrical productions, such as faux painting, signage, and themed murals, among many other things.