Box 2

This collection includes a wide array of portraits and sketches done in charcoal, ink and pencil. Subjects include notable figures from the mid to late 20th century, such as President John F. Kennedy, New York Mayor John V. Lindsay, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Gen. William Westmoreland, Pope John Paul II, Alabama Gov. George Wallace, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, Catholic priest Daniel J. Berrigan, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Ryerson's explanatory notes, subject lists, and other materials contextualize the drawings and the artist herself.

Ryerson’s own words explain the reason behind this collection’s existence:

"On my television the whole world passes through my room. I draw the men as they talk. They are the great of today in their moment of power, while they are still striving, not old and worn out as are most great men when pictures are made of them. I see the force, the vigor, the vitality that makes it possible for them to succeed.

"They are giving me their ways on how to make the world better. No two think alike. We must choose whose ideas are best. I see people with great ideas, people who have lived, studied, suffered, thought and are now giving this freely to you and to me."