‘The Gathering’ mural unveiled at newly constructed Woolwich Central School
Dahlov Ipcar, a well-known painter, illustrator and children’s book author, looks up at the painting done in the style of her work in a mural called “The Gathering.” Below, John Gable, an internationally known Woolwich artist, points out some of the people illustrated in books by Maine authors in a mural he created for the newly constructed Woolwich Central School.
Dahlov Ipcar, a well-known painter, illustrator and children’s book author, looks up at the painting done in the style of her work in a mural called “The Gathering.” Below, John Gable, an internationally known Woolwich artist, points out some of the people illustrated in books by Maine authors in a mural he created for the newly constructed Woolwich Central School.
Hearty applause followed gasps of astonishment as black plastic covering was peeled away from a mural at the newly constructed Woolwich Central School
Internationally recognized Woolwich artist John Gable painted “The Gathering,” a mural depicting the illustrations of books by Maine authors, to educate and inspire the thousands of children who will pass in front of it as they enter the school.
The mural is, as described on a plaque on its far end, a fantasy. A winding road in the mural connects characters who populate the books of Maine authors, in the many styles of the individual artists, as well as the people, young and old, who may be inspired to read and learn.
During a special unveiling ceremony on June 19, Gable told a large crowd the highlight of his experience in creating the mural was the 160 students who came to his Bath studio.
“I got amazing questions and advice,” he said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Gable recognized the many artists who inspired the work, one of whom attended the ceremony. Dahlov Ipcar, a well-known painter, illustrator and children’s book author from Georgetown, saw the characters and wildlife in the style of her work portrayed in the mural, “Lobsterman” and “The Calico Jungle.”
Gable said that in painting the mural he had a lot of support from other artists and came to understand why the artists and illustrators of the children’s books are revered by so many.
“What a wonderful experience it was for me,” he said. “I hope you enjoy the mural.”
Other artists’ work celebrated in the mural are: E. B. White, Barbara Cooney, Margaret Wise Brown, Chris Van Dusen, Robert McCloskey, Melissa Sweet, N.C. Wyeth, Kevin Hawkes and Ashley Bryan.
The mural was commissioned for the Woolwich Central School as part of the Maine Percent for Art Act. The act requires that a certain percentage of all new school projects be dedicated to art. State funds – about $47,000 – went to pay for the mural. A school staff member said Gable donated another painting, which will be hung in the library.
“You walk through this door and see what all the children will see as they enter school,” Soule said. “(Gable)’s not only an artist, but an inspiration. It’s incredible.”
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