Wylie Resident Mike Kittelson donated an original John Pototschnik oil painting to the Smith Public Library during a brief ceremony. The oil, valued at more than $5,000, is titled Remembering Murphy Grocery. The painting will be on display in the new library scheduled for completion December 2010.

Kittelson, Pototschnik, and Raymond Cooper, presented the painting to Mayor Eric Hogue; Councilwoman and Public Arts Board member Kathy Spillyards; Rita Smith; City Secretary and Art Board Liaison Carole Ehrlich; and Library Director Rachel Orozco. The presentation took place at the offices of Raymond Cooper who played a key role in securing the work of art.

"For the city's public library to have an original John Pototschnik painting is such a wonderful addition to our community,” said Councilwoman Spillyards. “The fact that we will be able to permanently display artwork by a nationally known artist, who just happens to call Wylie home, is a reminder of what makes Wylie so special.”

Nationally known and recognized with many prestigious awards, Pototschnik resides in Wylie, Texas with his wife Marcia. They have two grown sons.  In addition to Remembering Murphy Grocery, Pototschnik has painted many area landmarks including the Birmingham House and the historic St. Anthony Catholic Church.