Artist donates tapestries to HPL
New Kent artist Lucy Sawyer (right) stands by the tapestries she has donated to Heritage Public Library. At far left is one of her students, Sue Leary, standing next to library director Barbara Winters.Andre' Jones photo
Whether in the old Heritage Public Library building in Providence Forge or either of the two newer branches, somewhere along the way a patron may have seen the work of Lucy Sawyer.
A resident of New Kent for 18 years, Sawyer continues to provide an array of artwork for the library. Her work, along with that of her students, has become décor to make patrons at the library feel welcomed.
Sawyer donated four silk tapestries to the library last Saturday, just another addition from the versatile artist. Among other contributions are a variety of paintings and all of the window artwork that was displayed at the old library building.
Sawyer now conducts classes for students 50 and over, mostly retirees, who always had a passion for painting but never had time to pursue their dreams.
“We paint whatever they want to paint,” said the Maine native. “They now have the time to paint, and if they have a desire to paint then I don’t mind helping them with it.”
Sawyer instructs 20 students, but it’s her love for the library that continues to contribute to her willingness to beautify the facilities.
“I like color,” she said. “I also like to paint based off of books. Books are wonderful for children and I just have a love for the library.”
Sawyer’s four newest contributions are four foot long silk paintings. Among the displays were pictures from the stories “I Love You This Much,” and “Peter Rabbit.”
Sue Leary, a four-year student of Sawyer’s, spoke about the way Sawyer motivates her students.
“She always says paint what you see,” said Leary. “I always wanted to try painting when I retired and she has helped.”
“She has been a friend of the library for years,” added Heritage Library director Barbara Winters. “She continues to be a delight to have here.”
Sawyer’s work is being displayed at the New Kent branch of the library. For more information on her artwork or her classes, visit www.sawyerstudio.com, www.heritagepubliclibrary.org, or call 966-9246.