JFK's Sis Gains Spot Among Presidents, First Ladies

Painting depicts 87-year-old on Cape Cod beach

President John F. Kennedy's sister can now find herself at the National Portrait Gallery. In a painting, of course.

The portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver marks the first time the National Portrait Gallery has ordered a custom-made painting of a person who has not served as president or first lady.

The piece was installed Saturday during a private ceremony with Shriver and her family.  Shriver founded the Special Olympics and champions the rights of the mentally disabled.

The painting was done by David Lenz, the father of a Special Olympics athlete.  It shows the 87-year-old Shriver on the sand near her Cape Cod home with four Special Olympics athletes and a member of the Best Buddies program, which Shriver helps to lead.

Lenz was selected after winning the museum's Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2006 with a painting of his son, Sam, who has Down syndrome.
 

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