~ Click image to enlarge ~
24"x18" Pastel on board
This is the first of 4 (maybe 5) pastel paintings that I'm doing of Bentonsport, IA. I'm hoping to have the image made into posters....maybe a limited edition of 500 of each painting. They will be available one year at a time. This one is for 2014. All proceeds from the sale of 500 signed posters will be designated for maintaining the newly renovated Stone House. The original paintings are being donated to the Bentonsport Improvement Association.
The images here, starting from the top, are of the Old Iron Bridge across the Des Moines River, partial image of the Gazebo in the park and rose bush and irises from the Rose Garden. The main painting is of the Presbyterian Church, built in 1855. It sits high on the North hillside in the middle of town. The other building is of the newly renovated Stone House that is along the main highway J40 which runs through the center of Bentonsport. The Bentonsport Improvement Association is responsible for maintaining both of these buildings.
The church is used for weddings and hosts non-denomination services during warm weather months. (no heat...old wood stove is just kept for looks)
The BIA received a grant in 2013 to renovate the shell of a building known as The Stone House. It was originally a 2 story structure built in the early 1800's. It now will be available for rent as a gathering place for family reunions, wedding receptions, Village Folk School classes, etc. It is handicapped accessible and has a beautiful kitchen area. Just guessing here, but I believe I overheard someone state the open space can easily hold approx.80 people that can mingle and sit at tables that are provided.
Posters should be available in May. They can be purchased at the Iron & Lace store in Bentonsport.