Trending
Fredonia's Darwin R. Barker Library is excited to announce its next local artist showcase, "Historic Trees of Fredonia," featuring the creations of local woodworker Wally Latimer. This show will focus on frames made by hand from Fredonia trees that many locals will recognize as former landmarks, including the sugar maple that stood outside the White Inn until 2012 and the copper beech that graced the Fenner house on Central Avenue until 2024, whose stump, cut at a steep angle, stands testament to the grand tree that was. His frames illuminate photographs and illustrations of Fredonia scenes past and present, while the reverse side bears historical information about the source trees and pictures. The sale of these frames will benefit the Darwin R. Barker Library and Historical Museum.
A lifelong area resident, Latimer recently hosted the Fredonia High School Class of '56 reunion. His retirement from a 50-year career in appliance repair has allowed him to devote more time to the craft of woodworking. As a member of the North Shore Arts Alliance, he regularly welcomes visitors to his studio during the twice-yearly Art Trail weekends. Art Trail goers may be familiar with Latimer's oval wooden boxes inspired by colonial, Scandinavian, and Shaker traditions.
The library will host an opening reception on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and talk with the artist!
"Historic Trees of Fredonia" can also be viewed during regular library hours from Thursday to Dec. 26. The Darwin R. Barker Library is located at 7 Day St., Fredonia.