Clients and Client Testimonials

The Personal Choice of 4 Presidents for their Official Portraits
An Unsurpassed Record of Successful Commissions
Over 750 Clients in 43 States and 22 Countries
 

TESTIMONIALS

"The amount of time, talent and effort you put in this project is quite evident. I know that those who are able to see the painting at the library will join Nancy and me in expressing their enthusiasm and enjoyment of this achievement."

President Ronald Reagan

"Benjamin McCready's talent is incredible. The portrait he painted for me is absolutely perfect."

President Gerald Ford

"It's been a great pleasure working with you and I applaud you for your flexibility and 'Customer Focus.' Most important, the end product reflects great professionalism and will be treasured for years to come."

Mr. Charles Moritz
Chairman, Dun & Bradstreet

"I am honored to be one of your portrait subjects. You have done an exceptional job and I am looking forward to visiting you and your family the next time I'm back in our old neighborhood."

Mr. Stephen Ambrose
Author, Historian

"Your work has been much praised....We are all very pleased with the result."

President Emeritus Robben Fleming
University of Michigan

"Thank you very much - the portrait is handsome, remarkably so!"

President Emeritus Derek Bok
Harvard University

"Your work is of the highest quality - just outstanding!" 

Dean Jean Robillard
University of Iowa
Carver College of Medicine

"The portrait is outstanding - we are very pleased! It was a real pleasure to work with you." 

Dr. Robert Kelch
EVP of Medical Affairs
University of Michigan

"The portrait looks fantastic...a HUGE thumbs-up!"

Portrait of Dean Martin Tansy
Temple University

"The painting is absolutely fantastic. You did a great job of portraying exactly what I wanted!"

Dr. James Schulak
Case Western Medical Center

"Everyone LOVED the portraits...everyone was very touched and impressed!"

Purdue University
College of Education

"I am delighted to give Ben my highest possible recommendation, both as an artist and as a human being."

John Mark Stensvaag
University of Iowa
College of Law

"Everyone was so enthusiastic upon seeing the marvelous portrait you painted. It was admired greatly by all...all I can say is WOW!"

University of Michigan Medical School

"We received the portrait - it is beautiful! Thank you so much!"

University of Miami Medical School

"You have a great gift! I can't think of another artist who can paint a better likeness and bring a subject 'to life' as well as you. After reviewing the work of other leading artists, we're so glad we chose you to paint our portraits. Thank you again for making it so easy and enjoyable." 

John T. Dorrance (one of America's most esteemed art collectors)

"Thank you for a wonderful job. We are all very pleased." 

President Jimmy Carter

"Your portrait of Supreme Court Chief Justice Hefferman is remarkable. Everyone who has seen the portrait is thrilled with it. You have truly captured his personality. It was a pleasure working with you."

Office of the Chief Justice
Wisconsin Supreme Court

"There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd as your painting was unveiled. You have done a remarkable job of capturing not only the likeness of Helen Bader, but the spirit and energy that so empowered her to become so involved in helping other people."

Mr. Daniel J. Bader
Chairman, Bader Foundation

"I think my portrait was the best I have ever had done and I wanted to express my gratitude."

Honorable Howard H. Baker
U.S. Senate Majority Leader

"We are all very happy with the portrait and thank you for the extra time you put in to make it special."

Mr. J. Peter Grace
Chairman, W.W. Grace Company

"Those who knew Dr. Sweet personally were amazed at the spirit of the man captured in the portrait. Those who know of him were impressed with your talent. Mrs. Sweet herself was speechless and near tears as she gazed upon the portrait. Thank you for preserving the memory of the Department's founding Chair. I will most certainly recommend your talent without hesitation. Thank you again for your hard work."

Dr. Kevin K. Tremper
University of Michigan
Medical School

 

PARTIAL LIST OF CLIENTS

EDUCATION

University of Michigan (24 portraits), Harvard University (3), Northwestern University (7), University of California, Yale University, University of Wisconsin (11), UCLA (6), University of Chicago (2), University of Texas (2), Georgetown University (3), University of Iowa (8), Purdue University (6), University of Missouri, Buena Vista University (2),  Johns Hopkins University, Temple University (3), Ripon College, University of Utah, Bethel College (2), University of Miami (2), The Medical College of Wisconsin (14), St. Joseph's University (2), Baylor University, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Case Western Reserve University (3), Bentley Historical Library, Wisconsin State Historical Society (4), University of Minnesota (5), Duke University (2), University of Kansas (3), University of Florida (2) and Stanford.

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GOVERNMENT

President Ronald Reagan, President Gerald Ford, President Jimmy Carter, President George H.W. Bush, United States Senate Majority Leader and White House Chief of Staff Howard Baker, Baker Federal Building, United States Treasury Department, United States Comptroller of the Currency Robert Clarke, Representative Carl Thompson, Wisconsin Governor and United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, Chicago Bar Association, United States Congressman Robert Kastenmeier, Kastenmeier Federal Building, Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Heffernan, Chief Justice Harry Comerford (Illinois), Chairman Armen Avedisian, Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty Commission.

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SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT:

Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Douglas, Wayne Gretzky, Mark McCormack (Founder/Chairman, IMG), Andy Roddick (U.S. Open tennis champion), Lleyton Hewitt (Wimbledon and U.S. Open tennis champion), National Football League, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, College Hockey Hall of Fame coach Jeff Sauer, America's Cup Champion Buddy Melges, College and Pro Football Hall of Fame player Elroy Hirsch, University of Michigan Athletic Department, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, University of Wisconsin Athletic Department, College Football Hall of Fame, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Heisman Trophy Winner and Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard, Madison Civic Center, World Champion Edmonton Oilers, University of Iowa Athletic Department, TREK Bicycle, U. S. Olympic Committee.

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BUSINESS:

Chairman/CEO John T. Dorrance (Campbell's Soup), Chairman/CEO J. Peter Grace (W.R. Grace Company, chairman United States Presidential Commission), Chairman/CEO Curtis Carlson (Carlson Companies Worldwide), Chaiman/CEO Ernie Micek (Cargill), Chairman/CEO Charles Moritz (Dun & Bradstreet), Chairman/CEO Glenn Hiner (Owens-Corning), Chairman/CEO Dick Burke (TREK), Chairman/CEO Walter Kasten (U.S. Bank), Chairman/CEO Jon Boscia (Lincoln National), Chairman/CEO Thomas Pyle (Ray-O-Vac), Chairman/CEO Stephen Marcus (Marcus Corporation), Chairman/CEO Michael Forman (Pacific Theatres Corporation), Chairman/CEO David Cook ( Blockbuster Video), Chairperson/CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson (Carlson Companies), Chairman /Founder Nathan Ancell (Ethan Allen), Chairman/CEO Charles Hyde (Oshkosh B'Gosh), Chairman/CEO Biff Mautz (Mautz Paint), Chairman/CEO Orion Hoch (Litton Industries), Chairperson/CEO Avis Green Tucker (Utilicorp United), Chairman/CEO Louis Bantle (UST CORP), Chairman/CEO Roger Saunders (Boston Park Plaza), Chairman/CEO Daniel Peterkin (Morton Salt), Chairman/CEO Fred Kasten (Robert W. Baird Co.), Chairman/CEO Stanley Howe (HON Industries), Chairman/CEO Robb Kelley (EMC Insurance).