The Teenager’s Paintings

How did paint and a sketch pad transform a teenager’s life?

Simon Jeruchim, a Jewish boy living in hiding in Nazi-occupied France, painted a colorful flying bus, a locomotive, flowers, animals, and many other scenes. A teacher gave him the watercolors in 1943, the year after Simon had to separate from his family to stay safe. 

Art provided respite from his loneliness and fear, and an outlet to practice his passion, which later became his career.

About the Artifacts

Artifacts shown in the video were donated to the Museum by Simon Jeruchim. Explore the Simon Jeruchim Collection.