Opening Day and Unveilings at Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library in Dudley, Massaschusetts

Today was the emotional culmination of 10-15 years of planning by the Crawford family and several months of work on my part. The stunning new library was opened with the entire family present from all over the country. The thought and care that went into this gorgeous library was truly heartfelt—–from the teen room where there were tall stools with welcoming and warm decor and computers for the teens to access, as well as cafe-style booths; to murals depicting the charming Dudley town, including one on which showed the time the library opened on the church clock (11:10 am); to an on-going Powerpoint slide show commemorating the family's history. The family with its history of owning mills locally is remarkably generous to provide such a stunning place for the Dudley community to be able to enjoy for decades to come.

It was a delight to work with all the Crawfords who I met along the way through this journey and I was truly honored to be chosen to paint two portraits for them: the posthumous portrait of the library's namesake: Pearle L. Crawford and a double portrait of the predominant benefactors Hugh and Harriet Crawford, Jr.

Also please note the exquisite framing on both paintings. The framing was completed by Page-Waterman Gallery in Wellesley. They placed the oval liner on the painting of Pearle in addition to the frame as we requested. You can always count on Page-Waterman for perfection in framing. They have never let me down.


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Page-Waterman Gallery displays my Portraits

Page-Waterman in Wellesley will be featuring my portraits for the next three weeks in their window. I am thrilled to be a part of the Gallery's most public display and welcome those who live in the area to stop by to see these works.

In the 14 years we have lived in Wellesley, there has been great upheaval and change in the commercial/business industry— the Wellesley Country Club demolished their historic Clubhouse building which was built in 1740 and built a new one (which I'll admit is beautiful); our beloved Roche Brothers grocery store was moved across the street and we all learned to re-find our food in the re-designed, large state-of-the-art grocery store (trauma!!); and the lovely-from-the-exterior Wellesley Inn was also demolished a few years back and a white-fenced gaping hole still remains as funding/plans are sought. Housewares (Home Trends, Cooleys Marco Polo, sadly gone!!) toy shops (Rocking Horse), clothing stores, hardware stores (the beloved Diehl's) again and again leaving, folding and being replaced. Even Peter's Pizza, where all the dancers and Moms from the Kathy's McCrohon Dance Center moved. We used to spend many an hour there chatting with friends. And Kathy McCrohon's Center moved to Needham! And whatever happened to Vidalia Truck Stop where one could get a diner-style lunch. What is going on???

In the midst of all this upheaval and change, Page-Waterman has stood the test of time. The gallery was founded in 1917 as the Sue Page Shop and is one of Wellesley's oldest businesses. During its almost 100-year history Page Waterman has built a reputation as the premier picture framing business in the area. F. Sturtevant Waterman has over 25 year of experience and offers a wealth of information in making frame and restoration recommendations. So do stop by and enjoy a little bit of history.

To see more of my portraits click here

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.