John Lenk was born in Czechoslovakia in 1919, was imprisoned by the Nazis during World War II, and fled communist controlled Czechoslovakia in 1952, immigrating to the United States. His experiences living under oppressive regimes had a profound influence on his character, and he remained politically and socially active throughout his life.  During his lifetime he worked as a businessman, newspaper editor, linguist, lecturer, musician, actor, photographer, and explorer.  He had a natural ability as a communicator, and strove to teach others how to cooperate to create a better world. 

          Born with an unquenchable desire to explore, John visited every corner of the globe, sometimes accompanied by his wife Sachiko, and sometimes traveling solo.  His travels included an astounding 50,000 mile automobile trip in 1966, and three more round-the-world trips.  He was one of the first Europeans to enter China in 1980 when the country first opened its doors to the West.  With his camera constantly at his side, he shot an estimated 40,000 prints and slides during his travels.  John collected impulsively along the away, focusing mostly on masks, small carvings, and other folk-art objects. 

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