On January 24, 2024, Ohio paid tribute to its astronauts with an all-star gala at the statehouse,
celebrating its 31 space pioneers. This event marked the culmination of years of planning,
highlighted by the unveiling of a large painting that pays homage to the legendary men and
women who have propelled the United States to a leading position in space exploration. It was a
moment of shared connection through art for everyone involved in the project, as well as for the
astronauts and their families, bringing them together in one place for a unique celebration.
The evening reached its pinnacle with the unveiling of the artwork, following speeches from
notable individuals such as Charles Resnik, brother of Judy Resnik; Rick Armstrong, son of Neil
Armstrong; Gene Kranz, the renowned NASA mission controller; Jim Lovell, the Apollo 13
commander; and Tom Hanks, the beloved American actor who portrayed him in the film. The
painting, now hanging in the rotunda opposite the Wright Brothers’ painting installed 70 years
prior, honors the “Mount Rushmore of Space Explorers.” The event, and particularly the
painting, aims to inspire generations past and future.
Bill Hinsch’s painting, “Ohioans in Space,” gives viewers a glimpse into the adventurous spirits
and victories of Ohio’s four most monumental astronauts. John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Jim
Lovell, and Judy Resnik now fill a part of the Rotunda after a celebration of their achievements
and the unveiling of Hinsch’s portrait, which will let their memories live on for years to come.
Chair of the Capitol Square Foundation Charlie Moses led attendees through the Gala, which
included a dinner and uplifting words from other board members, NASA leaders, Jim Lovell,
and the rest of the astronauts’ families and friends who spoke on their behalf.
Aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft, John Glenn reigned as the first American astronaut to orbit
the Earth, an achievement that cemented the country’s position in the space race in 1962. At the
age of 77, his research on flight and aging also led him to become the oldest man at the time to
travel into space.
Trevor Brown, a former student and current dean at the John Glenn College at Ohio State
University, represented John Glenn, as his children were not able to make it. He spoke on behalf
of the space hero and his family in order to pay homage to Glenn’s legacy as an astronaut and a
U.S. senator.
“As a proud Ohioan and a senator elected to represent the people of Ohio and wrestling with the
nation’s challenge,” Brown said concerning Glenn, “he would be happy to learn that Ohio will be
a major player in this next phase of exploration and that Ohio will be at the center of all this.”
Neil Armstrong’s son, Rick Armstrong, commented on his father’s incredible humility despite
everything he achieved while piloting the Gemini 8 spacecraft and later becoming the first
man to set foot on the moon aboard Apollo 11.
“I’m confident that Dad if he were here, would make it a point to note that there are other
Ohioans that are very deserving of the same kind of recognition and he would probably have a
a couple of examples of individuals that you might not recognize right away.”
Jim Lovell was part of the Gemini 7 crew and later commanded the Apollo 13 spacecraft. He
made history as the first astronaut to orbit the Earth four times and take two trips around the
moon. Proud to be honored alongside this crew of heroes and friends, Lovell appeared over
video to express his gratitude and excitement for the painting, which he believes will, “inspire,
encourage, and educate thousands of students and adults on the importance of the past and future
of the aerospace industry.”
Tom Hanks also made a video appearance after portraying Lovell in the 1995 feature film,
“Apollo 13,” to reflect on how much of a privilege it was to know the astronaut and to play a
part, not only in the film but in Ohio’s space heritage.
Representing Judy Resnik, Charles Resnik shared stories and insight about his sister and her
missions as part of NASA’s first space class to welcome minorities and women. Resnik was the
second woman to fly into space and was one of the first experts on the Canadian robotic arm,
which she controlled on both the Discovery spacecraft and the Challenger, where she tragically
lost her life. Despite accepting many awards in his sister’s name, Charles Resnik shares how
special it is to have her recognized in her home state along with the other astronauts.
“With this wonderful portrait,” he said in his speech, “Judy will be forever linked with four other
amazing individuals: John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Gene Krantz, trailblazing
Ohioans all. They share with Judy not only their state of birth, but also their love of exploration,
of space exploration, and scientific inquiry.”
Charles Resnik, along with other families of those who died in the Challenger accident, started a
school in Judy’s memory, as she was passionate about science and education. The Challenger
Center for Space Exploration has helped over 6 million students worldwide and inspires them to
pursue careers in STEM, just like Judy did.
When discussing his own experience as the painter behind this monumental piece, Hinsch
describes the feeling. “It’s humbling, more than anything,” he says, as he still sees himself as a
“little guy from Hicksville, Ohio.” Inspired by major artists like Norman Rockwell and Howard
Chandler Christy, Hinsch reflects on his own childhood with wonder, as nothing about the small
farming community he came from would suggest how renowned his artwork would become.
Moses revealed that Hinsch’s concept stood out from other artists because of its layout, telling a
visually linear story. The Capitol Square Foundation, which chose the painting, was impressed
with the depth of Hinsch’s portrayal of the astronauts’ stories and the way he openly took
direction from the board and the families of the astronauts to piece the narrative together. His
artistry leaves a lasting impression as possibly the last painting added to the Ohio Statehouse
Rotunda.
Other notable figures who attended and spoke at the celebration include Mike DeWine, Governor
of Ohio; Ohio senator Rob McColley; Sherrod Brown, a U.S. senator; NASA astronaut Doug
Wheelock; Amanda Wright Lane, great grand-niece of Orville and Wilbur Wright; Laura
Battocletti, executive director of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board; and two other
members of the Advisory board, Cheryl Subler and Casey Smith.
NASA mission controller Gene Krantz also said a few words about his role in helping each of
the honored astronauts and more to complete their missions. In Hinsch’s painting, Krantz sits on
the Earth and represents the thousands of NASA ground workers who made space travel possible
through their hard work. Krantz discussed his close, familial relationship with each of the
astronauts he worked with and what it was like to be such a huge part of Ohio’s space history.
The leading goal of the astronauts and everyone involved in the gala is to inspire Ohio’s next
generation in the science of space travel. Through Hinsch’s portrait, along with the educational
works and achievements of the space heroes, Ohio has hope that our curious children will grow
to accomplish even more extraordinary feats in exploring what the world has to offer. There is
always something new to uncover, and the children inspired by past generations will someday fly
into the future.
