Official Ohio senate president portrait unveiled at statehouse

Following decades of tradition, the official portrait painting of outgoing Ohio Senate President Thomas E. Niehaus (R–New Richmond) was unveiled at a ceremony held in the Atrium of the Ohio Statehouse Tuesday evening.

Among those speaking at the event were Ohio Governor John Kasich, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David Daniels, and portrait artist Leslie Adams.

During the program, President Niehaus was described as a true statesman, a unifier, and a faithful friend.

Painted by internationally exhibited artist Leslie Adams, the portrait will be on display in the Chamber of the Ohio Senate for the remainder of the 129th General Assembly, after which it will be permanently installed in the Ohio Senate Office Building.

Adams’ work includes the official portraits of former Ohio Senate President Bill Harris, former Ohio Governors Bob Taft and Ted Strickland, and members of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Niehaus’ term as Senate President ends Jan. 7, 2013 when the 130th General Assembly officially begins. He has served in the Ohio General Assembly since 2001 when he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives. He has been a member of the Ohio Senate since 2005.