May June Newsletter

What's On Robin's Easel?

This is the much anticipated  Port Stanley Guild Show weekend. And of course I have several works in the show, but first lets recap the month... The Lambeth Art Association Show was a wonderful booming success, you'll be happy to know that both Mother Tree, and Sparta Line Spring found new homes. As I had anticipated it was a crazy 4 weeks, but not for any of the reasons I had thought, you know the old saying ' If you want to make God laugh, make plans' yup it was kinda like that... Complications in elder care, an accident-me, and heart surgery-hubby. We are all alright and ready to resume our missions, this was just an interlude. I still managed to get work ready for both the Port Stanley Show, and the Art Exchange Square Foot Show. Here's my line up for the PSAG Show I apologize for the glare on Yarmouth Center Swale, I almost forgot to take it's picture, and took one as I was handing it over for the PSAG Sale. I drive Yarmouth Center on a regular basis, this swale  always fascinates me, it's an anomaly in an other wise flat field. I wonder if glacial run off caused this impressive depression? Or if a chunk of ice was left behind and slowly melted as soil was deposited around it by melt waters. It's a welcome oasis for the deer, turkey, and other creatures I see using it for shelter and food. 12x16  $210.00 Manitoulin Spring, 9x12, $190.00, There is a reason it's called God's country, and is one of my favorite places on Earth. I know most people would have painted a lake scene, but I like the bones of the land. Just Outside Of Town, 8x10, $140.00, The vista just south of our village always stirs me, I've painted this a few times, at various times of year, and with the fields in different crops.  There is a proposal in front of the village council to put a gas station/variety store/drive through here :( Fruit Ridge Line, 8x10, $140.00, another glacial formation, the bank of an inland sea, creates an impressive up slope as seen from Dexter Line. Also at the show will be Farm Gate, 16x12, $210.00   The thicket, 9x10,$190.00 looking very washed out here I might add... and Hello Anole, 8x10 $140.00 I must dash, I'm working this afternoon at the show. See you there!!!!   My Mentor, Chester Anderson

When I first moved to Belmont one of the first people I met was Chester.
I'd spoken at the horticultural club and in the conversation I mentioned art, no surprise, most conversations eventually get there, lol.
Dinah Lee consequently introduced her husband  and I, and a mentorship was born. 
Some mentors are teachers first, there is a long tradition in the arts of the teacher/mentor, others are more of a guide, introducing the fledgling to people, organizations, and concepts. Chester was of the latter type.  He was a bit crusty, but I've always liked crusty, it keeps you on your toes.
Chester introduced me to the Dorchester Artist Network, a small group that met in the basement of  Thelma, it's founder. We had a show each year, and encouraged each other, but that was about it, which for a group of about 15 people was good.
After a while Chester took me with him to a Port Stanley Guild meeting, where a much larger group of about 40 were doing educational programs, as well as a show, larger and grander than Dorchester, though not as large and grand as it is now, but that after all was over 15 years ago...
The thread of life unspools, first Sandy, then Thelma passed, and the Dorchester group disbanded.  Chester, already elderly and not well, eventually stopped going to art groups, and I'm ashamed to say I didn't stay in touch. a couple of years ago he went into long term care.  This spring they held an art show just for Chester, I didn't go as I was teaching that afternoon in another long term care facility. I hope he received my well wishes, I truly regret not being able to deliver them myself. 
I never told Chester how much he meant to me, how his faith in my abilities, and support changed my life, now, it's too late.
I stopped in to his funeral today, gave Dinah Lee a hug but I didn't stay.  I didn't see any of the art crowd there, but  then again most of the Dorchester group are gone, and I'm not sure how many of the current Port group would remember Chester.
I for one will never forget him.
Afterwards I took my pastels and revisited some of the places we had sketched and painted. It seemed the most fitting way to remember him.
I think that when I work the sketches up into paintings, one will have to be named for him, my way of memorializing a kindred soul, Chester.