Unitarian Couple Offers $10,000 Commission for Inspirational Art

News Press
February 9, 2011



FLORIDA - Joe and Barbara Kotler had a vision after a service at All Faiths Unitarian Church in Fort Myers. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” the Rev. Wayne Robinson told his congregation in a sermon about caring for others. That sermon hit a nerve with the Kotlers. They were tired of all the needless violence in the news, Joe Kotler said. Joe, 94, of Jewish background, and Barbara, 83, of Christian background, decided to commission a piece of art for $10,000 that would remind people to care for one another. “We are our brother’s keepers, and we are responsible for friends and neighbors,” Joe Kotler said. “We have to make sure they are taken care of when they are sick or need help.” Area artists have until Feb. 18 to create art depicting the theme: “We are each other’s keeper.” The Unitarian congregation will choose from three finalists. They will display the art in the church sanctuary in front of the church. [link]