By Elizabeth Newman

Creative design, social sensibilities and mechanical know-how are where vision and intent entwine. That’s the everyday special for me as a picture framer and gallery owner. Then, every once in a while you experience life-changing exceptional special…

Sadly, within a matter of months last year we lost one of our most successful gallery artists and long-time framing client to cancer.  All of us here looked forward to Anne coming in to frame her artwork.  She brought the sunshine with her.  We’d chat as we choose framing for her latest accomplishment and discuss what works to exhibit in the next show.  It was a relationship that had begun sometime in early 2004.  She had retired from the graphic arts business to paint full time.  She delighted and struggled and more often than not she mastered her art.

Anne Macleod left behind an adoring husband, family and community. For a year we worked closely with her husband to select works and create a retrospective exhibit and sale of her already beautifully framed body of artwork. We had planned a three day event to sell as many of the 57 pieces as possible. It became an astonishing two hour whirlwind opening reception and sale of 53 beautiful pieces and a total of $21,000.00! 100% of the proceeds went to the children’s educational fund at their church where Anne had taught Sunday school.

We pulled every tool we possess out of the box and put them to the test for this event. It was the most satisfying hosting experience we’ve ever had. The honor and privilege to touch so many hearts was unforgettable. But, then again, so did Anne.

Here are the before, during and after images of this extraordinary event.   

“Pastels allow me the opportunity to paint the play of light and dark, of form and texture, and to achieve balance and design.  I am inspired by the magic and nature of Maine – the lovely place I call home.”  Anne Macleod

The image we used for the invitation. “Blueberry Barrens”

“Farmers Bouquet”  One of my favorites.