John A. Sargent III (b.1961)
Memory Play, 2022
Materials and Dimensions: Oil on canvas, 40” x 30”
Location at Summa Health: Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, Second Floor, Northwest Hallway End Wall, Outside Office P5
Commissioned by Summa Health specifically for this location
About the Art
John A. Sargent III’s Memory Play invites contemplation and personal reflection through its serene, luminous seascape. Commissioned by Summa Health, the painting reflects the artist’s mastery of capturing light, atmosphere, and movement, while also leaving room for individual interpretation. The title references a series of earlier works inspired by memory, but Sargent’s intent is to create a universally accessible scene, an image that welcomes viewers to bring their own experiences and emotions to the work.
Drawn from reference photos taken on the Florida coast, the painting captures the quiet beauty of a moment by the water. The upward reaching mare’s tail clouds, the gentle waves rolling toward shore, and the softly glowing horizon convey both motion and balance, offering a sense of tranquility and space for meditation. Sargent’s skillful use of color and light brings the scene to life, evoking the shifting qualities of nature and encouraging an immersive experience for the viewer.
About the Artist
Sargent, a Cleveland native, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts and American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, before returning to Ohio to complete a Master of Fine Arts in painting at The Ohio State University. His extensive teaching career includes positions at The Ohio State University, Tri-C Metro and Tri-C East, the Orange Art Center, and the Albright-Knox Museum in Buffalo. Recognized for his artistic excellence, he received an Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council in 2015. He is represented by the Bonfoey Gallery in Cleveland and Cade Tompkins Projects in Providence, Rhode Island.
Where You Can See More of This Artist’s Work
Sargent’s portfolio spans portraiture, landscapes, seascapes, and special projects, with his work featured in journals such as New American Paintings and Studio Visit magazine. He has exhibited widely in Ohio including Cleveland, Columbus, Youngstown, and Kent, as well as in Boca Grande (Florida), New York, and Venice, Italy. His paintings are held in the collections of Progressive Insurance, Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland MetroHealth Hospital, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, and Cleveland Clinic. His work is also part of esteemed national collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the United States Supreme Court.
In 2022, he received Best in Show from the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, adding to a long list of accolades recognizing his contributions to contemporary painting. Visit his website to learn more.