“I created the original painting using several photos from Dr. Dick Graves and a 1952 photo of Voscar’s. I used material from those and several others to get the angle, signage, etc.,” said Lisa Desjardins, a local artist.
The picture depicts an evening scene at the intersection of Main and State streets, with the Green store the central building.
“Green’s store is the focal point. But I like all the other signs. They add to the story. There are a lot of things in this that people will remember,” said Desjardins.
Desjardins took the project seriously, using the Internet to research clothing, vehicles and more.
“I was going for items common in 1952. I went online and researched such things as cars, to make sure of their design for that age. I even included a Houlton Farms Dairy truck,” she explained.
A lot of time and effort went into creating this one-of-a-kind painting.
“I put numerous hours in. Spent a lot of time on the design phase – getting angles right, people, the vehicles. This was actually the Chamber’s idea. Leigh Buck called me a while back. This has actually been in the works for several years. I began designing the piece this spring,” Desjardins said. “The Chamber Board looked at a lot of photographs. We talked back and forth.”
Once the painting was completed, it was sent to Penmor Lithographers, of Lewiston, to be reproduced.
“We’re selling a limited number of reprints – 500 to be exact – as a fund-raiser for the Chamber,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director of the PIACC.
Money from the sales of the prints will be used toward the Chamber’s operational costs.
Desjardins said there are many elements in the picture that she hopes will elicit memories.
“Characters include a mother and daughter window shopping; F.W. Woolworth store; boys running away from a little brother, coming from skating on the river. It’s a holiday scene, including a car with a tree on top, holiday lights strung up. I included the old lamp posts some may remember,” Desjardins said.
The framed original work hangs at the PIACC’s office on the Houlton Road.
“Morning Star Art and Framing will be offering a special price for framing these prints,” said Fowler.
The first 10 prints included the artist’s special touch.
“Reserved prints, 1-10, will be remarqued in pencil. I’ll take a figure or part of the image and pencil it in. This gives the print greater value. Each one (of the 10) will have its own drawing – original work on it,” said Desjardins.
Purchases can be made through the Chamber office.
“The framed, limited edition print of Green’s Corner, framed with conservation mat, is $225. Those interested in purchasing one can contact the Chamber at 764-6561,” said Fowler. “With the holidays fast approaching, this would make a perfect gift for someone who’s moved away or just as a beautiful piece of art depicting a moment in Presque Isle’s history.”
Print of downtown raises funds for PIACC
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – A print depicting a scene from downtown, circa 1952, is now available, with proceeds going to benefit the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.
