THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 15, 1996 TAG: 9601130028
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Norfolk native Larry Mednick - Lawrence Lee Mednick, to be formal about it - was a wonderfully gifted musician and sculptor. Second violinist with the vibrant Feldman Quartet for 25 years, he gave his first recital at age 11 and a William and Mary Concert series guest artist at 14 and a Norfolk Symphony Orchestra guest soloist at 16.
He also was a businessman who earned his bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and served four years as a junior naval officer in the 1950s. He joined the family business, Globe Iron and Construction Co., retiring from its presidency several years ago.
As musician, artist, businessman and arts patron, Mr. Mednick enriched the Hampton Roads scene. Life isn't just earnest and real; it also is playful. Something there is in human beings that yearns to create and to marvel in creativity. Prehistoric peoples decorated pots, their bodies, cave walls. Nature's sounds inspired music. No culture is barren of arts.
The arts in America thrive, notwithstanding recent congressional assaults on federal arts funding. Hampton Roads becomes livelier each year.
Larry Mednick had more than a little to do with that phenomenon. First-rank arts offerings in Hampton Roads were few and far between when the Feldman Quartet first assembled to play after World War II. The quartet was a welcome addition, thanks to the superior musicianship of its dedicated players.
Mr. Mednick's long involvement with the Feldman constituted a substantial cultural contribution in itself. But he made many other contributions of time and talent and means. Among other things, he served on the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission and as president of the Virginia Beach Center for the Arts.
Mr. Mednick continued creating works of art while battling the lengthy illness that felled him last weekend at age 66. At his death, admirers remembered him not only as gifted but also as a trouper. by CNB