Well, it’s about to happen. Sandra Phiney’s book is rolling off the presses and will be launched a the AGNS Wednesday June 18 between 6-8 p.m.  She’d love to see you there. Sandra calls it a “wee book” but although it’s relatively small (8.5 in. x 5.5 in; 108 pages) it is loaded with 190 photos. 

Titled Maud Lewis and the “Maudified” House Project–the Story Starts Here,  Sandra says on page 5, “This book is primarily a photo documentary of the “Maudified” house project and the artists who were involved. Readers will also find some interesting information about Maud Lewis, a few stories from people who knew her, and other odds and sods related to this amazing woman. The book also celebrates the importance of volunteers, and shows how a community can rally around a common goal and make things happen.” 

Aside from enjoying refreshments and camaraderie at the book launch, you’ll also have a chance to view a TV documentary that CBC produced in 1965 titled “The Once Upon a Time World of Maud Lewis.”  The Friends of the AGNS (Yarmouth) purchased the film and will be showing it at half hour intervals throughout the launch. It’s a great chance to see live footage of Maud and Everett in their home in Marshalltown.

Hope to see you at the launch!

TOWN OF YARMOUTH SPORTING A “MAUDIFIED” LOOK

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, June 5, 2014

For folk art aficionados in Canada (and further afield), Maud Lewis is a household name. Yet most people are not aware that this renowned artist’s roots are in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The Friends of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) Western Branch Society intend to change that. They’ve just launched the “Maudified” house project, which consists of placing 11 miniature painted houses-inspired by Maud Lewis-at various sites in Yarmouth.

“The purpose of the project,” says Wendy Majestic, VP of the Society and project co-ordinator, “is to draw attention to Maud’s amazing story, and to let the world know that her story starts here. We also want to celebrate the  artistic talent in the region, beautify the town and to raise funds for children’s programming at the art gallery-so it’s a many-sided affair.

It all started last January when local civic and corporate sponsors funded the project. Scores of volunteers assembled and primed the houses. Then 16 artists and nine students from Plymouth School applied their magic during the winter. The mini-houses were recently installed at various locations and will remain at their sites until they are auctioned off at Th’YARC, a local community theatre, on September 14. (The students’ house is part of a raffle with the draw on the same date.)

The diminutive Maud met and married a fish pedlar, Everett Lewis, in 1938. They lived in a small 13 ft. 6 in x 12 ft. 6 in. house in Marshalltown, Digby County. With no plumbing or electricity, and despite the hardships and challenges she faced-including debilitating rheumatoid arthritis-Maud found joy through painting. Her art spilled over onto everything from dustpans and scallop shells, to the walls and windows of her home.

In Yarmouth, many activities are planned during the summer and fall focused on Maud Lewis. Currently a Maud Lewis Homecoming exhibit is at the AGNS Yarmouth location, including three documentaries about the late folk artist that can be viewed during opening hours. A self guided tour of pinpointing the locations of the “Maudified” houses is also available, and local author Sandra Phinney has published Maud Lewis and the Maudified House Project: The Story Starts Here, which will be launched at the AGNS (Yarmouth) on June 18. Story circles are also planned, as well as a Maud Lewis Festival this fall.