By Eloise Weymouth
TERRE HAUTE — “What an incredible likeness!” you will exclaim, if you go to the main branch of Vigo County Public Library during the month of August.
Standing over 6 feet tall, Abraham Lincoln dominates center stage, actually it is a remarkable likeness rendered in clay by Bill Wolfe, well-known West Terre Haute artist.
The life-sized model was designed specifically as a major competition sculpture for a community in Ohio, later to be cast into a bronze monument, but for now it is here for our community to enjoy.
For Wolfe, this was a personal challenge as well, because he has always judged the quality of a sculptor’s work by that artist’s interpretation of Lincoln. If you examine the details on this superb specimen carefully, you will begin to appreciate the time and expertise that goes into a full-scale piece of art.
Wolfe also has brought one of his personal favorite paintings to this exhibit. Titled “Sled Dog,” it is a portrait of Juno, a cherished family pet, rendered in watercolor. “I was trying to capture that moment when the sunlight was warming my dog just as he was getting ready to doze off on a cold winter’s day,” he described.
Wolfe’s subjects vary from portraits to western scenes to monumental bronzes, from young children playing to soldiers and famous personalities such as renowned World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Now a prestigious Lincoln can be added to his credentials. Locally, another Wolfe bronze stands watch at the Vigo County Courthouse, the Korean War memorial statue.
Wolfe’s mediums are as diverse as his subjects, being accomplished in acrylics, pencil and oil as well as watercolor and clay. When asked which his favorite was, he replied, “That’s like choosing kids!” Wolfe believes that working on several projects at one time, frequently in different mediums, keeps his artwork fresh.
Plans include building a new studio/gallery to display his larger-that-life statues and artwork. Meanwhile, he can be reached at (812) 533-2341. To see other pieces in the Wolfe collection, log on to the Web site at bill-wolfe.com or drop a note to wolfegraphics@cs.com.
Doyne Weir, longtime Terre Haute resident, will be the other featured artist for August. Being inspired by so many images of our national symbol, she has selected her own version in an oil painting on canvas of the magnificent bald eagle to be displayed. “Cheetah,” another oil painting on canvas, will be her second work of art.
“Nature just inspires me,” Weir commented, “and living out in the country gives me the opportunity to closely study my subjects. Since my main theme has been animals, they have become my specialty.”
Though she was member of the Wabash Valley Art Guild years ago, it was only after her three children had grown and married that she began to do her artwork in earnest. Now she lives among the natural surroundings at her home south of Prairieton, where she greatly enjoys spending her time painting her favorite subjects.
Weir credits Virginia Irwin, who was an instructor at the Terre Haute Senior Citizens Center, as bringing the greatest improvement to her art. Since then, she has won many ribbons and special awards, including a sweepstakes as well as being selected to show at the distinguished Swope Art Museum. In addition, she has displayed at local establishments such as Union Hospital, various banks and the county fair. She was honored to have a solo show at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Currently, Weir is exhibiting several of her animal paintings in the Terre Haute Senior Citizen Center. To speak with the artist or discuss a commission, call (812) 299-2373.
The Wabash Valley Art Guild is proud to present the artwork of these talented local artisans and members through August. Artwork by Wolfe and Weir can be viewed in the library at Seventh and Poplar streets. Information about the Art Guild will be available there or by calling Jane Dusanic, president, at (812) 894-2504.
