The Bridge Builder: The Life and Work of B. John Zavrel

Introduction

In the landscape of transatlantic cultural exchange, few figures have occupied as diverse and multifaceted a role as B. John Zavrel. A accountant by profession, a diplomat by appointment, and a patron of the arts by passion, Zavrel’s life story is a testament to the power of individual engagement in fostering global understanding. From his roots in Czechoslovakia to his establishment of the Museum of European Art in upstate New York, Zavrel’s trajectory has been defined by a commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting dialogue between the Old World and the New. This article explores the biography, philosophy, and extensive professional and artistic endeavors of B. John Zavrel, tracing his journey from a student in Brno to a central figure in the preservation of European art in America.

I. Early Life and Heritage

Roots in Moravia

Bohuslav John Zavrel was born on August 2, 1949, in the town of Kurim (Gurein), Czechoslovakia. The son of Bohuslav Zavrel and Radoslava Holubik, he was raised in a region steeped in history. His ancestry connects him deeply to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Central Europe; his forebearers were descendants of the Unitas Fratrum, known internationally as the Bohemian or Moravian Brethren. This lineage links the Zavrel family to the legacy of Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700–1760), a pivotal figure in the Pietist movement who provided refuge to the Brethren on his estate in Saxony. This historical connection to the founding settlers of Zinsendorf near Brünn (Brno) suggests a heritage defined by resilience, faith, and community—values that would seemingly influence Zavrel’s later philosophical outlook.

Education and Emigration

Zavrel’s early education took place in his homeland. He attended the John Amos Comenius School in Kurim from 1961 to 1964, followed by the Economic School of Foreign Trade in Brno, where he studied from 1964 to 1968. The year 1968 was a turning point for Czechoslovakia, marked by the Prague Spring and the subsequent Soviet invasion. In 1969, at the age of 19, Zavrel arrived in the United States, leaving behind the political turbulence of Eastern Europe for freedom and new opportunities in the West.

His brother Radoslav "Ray" Zavrel, who escaped after him from the then-communist Czechoslovakia at the age of 18 in 1970, dedicated his life to the ideals of freedom and democracy, had served in the United States Armed Forces and as a civilian with the U.S. Department of Defense, worldwide. He concluded his 35-year career as a decorated official in Washington, D.C. To the date, he champions freedom, justice, and human rights in the U.S. and Europe.

Upon settling in America, he pursued higher education with vigor. He enrolled at the University of Buffalo, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance between 1969 and 1972. He furthered his qualifications at Millard Fillmore College, obtaining a B.S. in Accounting in 1974. Decades later, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning, he returned to the University at Buffalo for graduate studies in Sanskrit from 1996 to 1997, reflecting a deepening interest in Eastern philosophy and linguistics. He became a U.S. citizen in 1975, solidifying his status as a Czech-American.

Family Life

In 1972, Zavrel married Sandra McCracken. The couple settled in the United States and raised three sons: Wesley John, Christopher Scott, and Thomas William. His personal life, while grounded in the American experience, remained connected to his European identity through his professional and cultural activities.

II. Professional Career: The Accountant and the Consul

Zavrel & O’Donnell, P.C.

Professionally, Zavrel established himself as a respected figure in the financial sector. He founded the CPA firm Zavrel & O’Donnell, P.C., located in Clarence, New York. His firm specialized in a niche but vital sector of the economy, focusing on audits in the health care industry, construction, low-income housing projects, and real estate. This grounding in the practical, rigorous world of accounting provided the financial stability and organizational acumen necessary to support his more idealistic ventures in the art world.

Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic

Zavrel’s professional life extended beyond the ledger. He served as the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, a role that formally recognized his status as a bridge between his adopted country and his homeland. As an Honorary Consul, he was tasked with fostering diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties, serving as a representative of Czech interests in the United States. This position underscored his commitment to maintaining the transatlantic bond and supporting the Czech expatriate community.

III. The Museum of European Art (MEAUS)

Founding a Cultural Institution

Perhaps Zavrel’s most enduring legacy is the founding of the Museum of European Art (MEAUS) in Clarence, New York. Located at 10545 Main Street, the museum was established with a mission to preserve and present the artistic traditions of Europe, particularly those that might be overlooked or controversial in the mainstream art narrative. As the Founder-Director, Zavrel curated a space that was not merely a repository of objects but a center for cultural dialogue.

The Alexander Order and the Sculpture Garden

Associated with the museum is the "Order of Alexander the Great," of which Zavrel serves as Chancellor. This organization, along with the "Sculpture Garden of Alexander the Great" which he founded, highlights a thematic focus on classical antiquity and the Hellenistic ideals of beauty and leadership. The museum and its affiliates became a hub for honoring figures who made significant contributions to art, science, and politics.

The "Prometheus" Journal

To further disseminate the museum's philosophy and news, Zavrel serves on the editorial board of Prometheus, an internet bulletin for art, news, politics, and science. Through this platform, he published scores of articles, interviews, and reviews, creating a digital archive of his intellectual engagement with the world.

IV. Philosophy and Advocacy

A Philosophy of Individual Responsibility

Zavrel’s work is underpinned by a clearly articulated personal philosophy. He believes that "We are all people of this, one Earth." He advocates for the idea that individual engagement is the key to overcoming differences and achieving peaceful cooperation. Central to his worldview is the responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations, a duty he argues must begin "within one's self: with our own thoughts, words, and deeds." This philosophy bridges his ecological advocacy with his cultural work, suggesting that the preservation of beauty in art and the preservation of nature are linked moral imperatives.

Ecological and Political Activism

Zavrel’s commitment to these ideals was formalized through his chairmanship of the International Committee "Artists for Ecology" (USA). In this capacity, he facilitated the presentation of the "Ecological Eagle Award" to high-profile world leaders, including U.S. President Ronald Reagan, H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), and George Bush. These awards were not merely ceremonial; they were statements of the intersection between political leadership and environmental stewardship.

In the realm of political advocacy, Zavrel served as a spokesman for the German-American National Congress (European Affairs). His writings often reflect a strong Atlanticist perspective, advocating for strong ties between the US and Europe, while also offering critical commentary on European political developments, particularly regarding the European Union and migration issues.

V. Literary and Scholarly Contributions

B. John Zavrel was a prolific writer and editor. His bibliography is extensive, covering art history, biography, political commentary, and philosophy.

Books on Arno Breker

A significant portion of Zavrel’s literary output is dedicated to the German sculptor Arno Breker. Zavrel authored Arno Breker: His Art and Life and Arno Breker: Divine Beauty in Art. He also edited The Collected Writings of Arno Breker. By documenting Breker’s life and work, Zavrel positioned himself as a key figure in the post-war re-evaluation and preservation of Breker’s artistic legacy, often focusing on the aesthetic qualities of the work.

Other Publications

Zavrel’s publishing efforts extended to other figures as well. He was involved with Salute America! A Commemorative Portfolio and Art of Our Time. He helped bring attention to the works of Hermann Oberth, the father of spaceflight, through the publication The Primer for Those Who Would Govern. He also translated or promoted works by Roger Peyrefitte, such as The Secret Friendships.

Articles and Essays

Zavrel’s contributions to Prometheus and other outlets were vast. His articles can be categorized into several thematic areas:

Art and Artists: He wrote extensively on artists such as Salvador Dalí ("Salvador Dalí: Who is Dalí?"), Kurt Arentz ("The Sculptor Kurt Arentz"), Ernst Fuchs ("An European Painter-Prince Turns 65"), and Renate Stendar. He provided coverage of exhibitions, such as "Art of Our Time" and specialized shows at the Museum of European Art.
Political Commentary: Zavrel was a keen observer of geopolitics. His articles include titles like "The beginning of the end of the European dream of United Europe," "Ronald Reagan--An American Hero," and "NATO Summit in Prague." He frequently wrote eulogies and tributes to political figures, including Ronald Reagan and George Bush, reflecting a conservative, pro-Western political alignment.
Philosophy and Spirituality: Reflecting his interest in Sanskrit and yoga, he wrote on "The Secret Connections between Christianity, Hinduism and Islam," "Yoga in Africa," and reviews of books by Swami Rama and Swami Veda Bharati.
Dante’s Divine Comedy: Zavrel produced a six-part series analyzing Dante’s Purgatorio, illustrated by Salvador Dalí. Titles like "Dante Climbs from Sin to Repentance" and "Dante and the Whip of Wrath" suggest a deep engagement with the moral and theological dimensions of the classic text.
Cultural History: He chronicled the history of the Olympic Games ("Olympia in Review," "The Olympia Stadium in Berlin") and wrote about historical figures like Alexander the Great ("Lend Me Your Name, Alexander!").

VI. Interviews: A Dialogue with the World

One of Zavrel’s most significant contributions to the historical record was his series of interviews with prominent cultural and political figures. These interviews, conducted in various cities around the world, provide unique insights into the minds of his contemporaries.

The Artists: He interviewed Arno Breker in Düsseldorf, Kurt Arentz in Leverkusen, and Salvador Dalí (referenced in his writings). He also spoke with the painter Helga Tiemann, Jan Künster, and the surrealist Ernst Fuchs.
The Pioneers: He conducted an interview with Hermann Oberth, the space pioneer, in Feucht, Germany, and Dr. Wilson Greatbatch, the inventor of the pacemaker, capturing the thoughts of men who changed the technological landscape.
The Writers: He interviewed the controversial French writer Roger Peyrefitte in Paris and the German author Ernst Jünger in Wilflingen, preserving the perspectives of major European literary figures.
The Spiritual Leaders: His interest in Eastern spirituality led to interviews with Swami Veda (Rishikesh/Toronto) and Prof. Thubten Jigme Norbu, the brother of H.H. the Dalai Lama.
The Politicians: He interviewed Dr. Rita Süssmuth, the President of the German Parliament, bridging the gap between art and statecraft.

VII. Awards and Recognition

Zavrel’s efforts were recognized by numerous institutions. He was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, and Who's Who in the East for consecutive years, attesting to his prominence.

He held honorary memberships in several European cultural organizations, including the NRW Kunstkreis (Germany), the Hermann-Oberth Museum (Nürnberg), and the Arno-Breker-Gesellschaft (Nörvenich). Locally, he was awarded the Key to Buffalo, a symbol of his integration into and contribution to his local American community.

VIII. Legacy

B. John Zavrel’s vita paints the picture of a man who acted as a conduit. By importing European art and philosophy to the United States and exporting American appreciation and recognition (such as the awards given to European leaders), he maintained a vibrant cultural exchange. His work with the Museum of European Art ensured that specific artistic traditions—particularly those of the classical and realistic schools—retained a platform in the modern era. Through his writing, he documented the lives of artists and thinkers who might otherwise have faded from the American consciousness.

His life, spanning from the Cold War struggles of the communist Czechoslovakia to the quiet suburbs of Buffalo, New York, exemplifies the immigrant success story, but with a twist: rather than assimilating to the point of forgetting, Zavrel used his success to remember, preserve, and honor the culture from which he came and the world he hoped to see united. His personal motto remains a fitting epitaph for his career: "Through individual engagement we can overcome our differences and make positive contributions for peaceful cooperation among all people."