Raymond’s best kept secret: Father and son artists to display work at Raymond Village Library

Holden and Don Willard

By Mary-Therese Duffy

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Raymond Village Library recently, you may want to check out the latest art display that is running currently and will continue to do so until the end of August. One reason why this exhibition is special is that the father and son artists duo, Don and Holden Willard, are showing their work together for the first time. Another distinct factor is that, although Holden has made a name for himself as an artist, many in the community may be surprised to discover that his talent may have been handed down from his father.

Don is best known as the Raymond Town Manager, having dedicated much of his time to that position in service of the residents. Most, however, have no idea that this is also a man of great talent and creativity.  Having been around farming and mechanical equipment his entire life, he idolized his dairy farmer grandfather who survived the Great Depression, and like most of his contemporaries, had a natural “make do” ethic and attitude that included the repair and reuse of anything that they could.

He explained that the farm had stockpiles of metal parts and other potentially useful materials and objects at the ready, to facilitate such repairs and often for fabrications of useful tools and objects. 

Don’s grandfather encouraged him to explore his interest in mechanical objects. “I had the opportunity to delve into the range of sharp and dangerous objects that children are mostly advised to avoid,” recalled Don. “My first experience was straightening old barn nails with a hammer on an anvil, followed later by chasing new threads on antique square headed bolts and nuts with an ancient tap and die set. I processed buckets full of both for reuse, which I found oddly satisfying.”

Don became interested in ‘found objects, assemblage sculpture’ which intensified after obtaining his first welding machine and associated tools. Now known as “Steam Punk”, this is a genre of art and fashion that draws upon elements and objects from the dawn of the industrial revolution, assembled in a sort of science fiction imagined future. “Such things appear quite anachronistic when compared to our modern plastic derived throwaway society consumer objects,” noted Don. “It was for me just a natural extension of the materials and things that I like to work with.”

"Steam Punk" art by Don Willard

Never actually thinking of himself as an artist until invited to show in the Maine Coast Artists Exhibit in Rockport at the director’s suggestion, Don recalled; “I did that, and I remember the gallery opening for the show. There were many wealthy folks there all dressed up and milling about, admiring a turtle that I had made from an inverted mechanical cow watering bowl and some old trolley line hardware. I imagined that my grandfather would have gotten a real kick out of that scene.”

When asked what the most challenging and most inspiring aspects of his craft were, Don stated that one of the greatest challenges is finding the era/period correct objects necessary at a reasonable cost to make interesting, authentic feeling sculptures. “At one time, every farmer had piles of the junk that I like,” Don said. “Today such junk, like the farmers and tinkerers that coveted these materials are pretty scarce. As for fulfillment, I mostly do it for my own enjoyment as it reminds me of my childhood and provides me with a deep appreciation for what it took to survive before our postmodern consumer culture. Our ancestors made many things for everyday use as a regular part of life. Having such skills today is still not a bad idea in my view.”

Holden's art work

As for his son, Holden, he has been making quite a name for himself with his “Best in Show” award from “The Works”, a worldwide competition sponsored by the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. Having submitted two pieces, it was his painting, “Red Portrait” that garnered the First place winning this past February. A 2017 graduate of Windham High School, Holden is a committed fine artist whose natural talent is fully resonant and alive with in his work.

Holden stated that he began his interest in art as a young child playing with small coloring books and empty pads of paper. “I didn't become serious until my senior year, however,” Holden said. “With the support of high school mentors, Jeffery Bell and Joe McLaughlin: both inspired a motivation within myself which I had never received from anyone before.” Holden continued by stating that he is inspired by the people he meets, and the people he holds close within his creative community. “Everyone I paint, I paint for specific reasons, but mainly I am interested in displaying people who inspire me in one way, shape or form.”

He has always seen himself as a creative person. “I don't think I could live my life happily and to its fullest if art was not a major part of it,” Holden reflected. “I had been told for so long that being an artist was impossible, but after growing and maturing I've realized that a life lived unhappy and full of regret is no life at all.  I will do what I love, no matter what.  But I will leave conceptual artist John Baldessari to explain this drive: ‘My advice? Don't go into art for fame or fortune. Do it because you cannot not do it."’

The hardest part of creating, Holden said, is creating itself. “The act of creating is a strenuous and laborious process. On my larger works, I can spend anywhere from up to three weeks to multiple months... fussing and pushing until all the parts begin to feel whole.  It's easier to do this when you're interested in your subject matter, and thus your work ethic will improve... it's just a matter of sticking to it. I love to see the reactions of my models, I will have them come in for multiple sessions on occasion, and I am always touched by the beautiful responses and positive reinforcement I receive. I am always filled with creative resolve when a fellow artist within my community reaches out to critique some of my work and give constructive feedback.  Creating connections between the artist and the model and within the community of artists that surround me... are why I create.”

To meet and talk with the both Don and Holden, there will be an open house on Monday, August 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Raymond Village Library, 3 Meadow Road and his co-hosted by The Raymond Arts Alliance. For more information about this exhibit, call 207-712-6200

Young artist from Raymond wins best of show in world-wide art competition

"Red Portrait" by Holden Willard

By Lorraine Glowczak

It’s not every day an artist, who is still in art school perfecting his talent and skill, receives an email like this: “Hello Holden, Congratulations! Your piece, ‘Red Portrait’, has been chosen for best of show! We received entries from all over the world, the quality of work was incredible, including your own.” 

That is exactly the news Holden Willard, a 2017 Windham High School graduate and son of Don and Megan Willard of Raymond, received on Wednesday, February 13 from the Cultural Center of Cape Cod after he submitted a self -portrait to the center’s “The WORKS” competition. This competition was open to all artists from all over the world and Willard, who attends Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA decided to submit two pieces of his artwork to see what might come of it. Not only did he receive best of show for his self-portrait, but he also won $500 which he received at the gallery’s reception on Friday evening, February 15.

“One of my professors from school shared with my classmates and me the various galleries that were looking for new artists to display their works,” Willard said. It’s from that information he received that Willard submitted his two pieces of art work, including “Red Portrait”, to the Cultural Center of Cape Code. After all, that’s what ‘real’ artists do and Willard considers art, specifically the genre of painting, the career path of his choice.

Willard has been an artist/drawer/painter from a very young age. But discouraged by others who told him to forget about pursuing such a venture, Willard stop what he loved doing most. “I was told that being a painter isn’t possible as a career option and I was told to forget about it,” Willard began. “So, I did forget about it. Although I continued drawing, it wasn’t until I was a senior in high school when
I began to receive more positive feedback that being an artist was definitely a possibility and I started painting seriously.”

In an attempt to be a grounded artist who holds a ‘real job’, Holden went to the University of Maine-Orono and enrolled in Art Education. But he soon discovered that art teachers have very little studio time to work on their own art. “When I found out that I would have very little time in the studio, I realized that being an art teacher was not what I wanted,” stated Willard. “I knew I want to be a studio artist because I am the happiest when I am in the studio, alone and painting.”

Holden Willard the evening of the center's art reception

Once Willard made that decision, he immediately began the college transfer process by building a

body of work to present to the art schools to which he wanted to apply. He did so well that he was accepted at every art school to which he had submitted an application. Why did he choose Montserrat College of Art?

“Cost,” he said. “The lower tuition fees it offered was the major factor in choosing this college. Not only that, but it is a small school and the one on one I receive plus the connection with other student artists is perfect for me and fits my personality.”

So, what was it like to have attention and be the focus at an art gallery reception that so many artists dream about and hope for? “Weird,” began Willard, who gains inspiration from such artists as Henri Matisse, Lucien Freud (grandson of Sigmund Freud), and Egon Schiele. “It was so awkward to receive so much attention since I tend to be shy and introverted. But the praise I received makes me want to work harder and to learn more in order to become better in my work as an artist. My professors tell us we must be always learning and stress the importance of working consistently and, through that, is how we learn and become more critical. That’s what I plan to do with this experience.”

If you are interested in looking at more art work from our very own Holden Willard, take a look at his Instagram page at holdenwillard.

Raymond grows with the digital age but maintains its small town atmosphere by Lorraine Glowczak

The Town of Raymond has begun providing a variety of options for residents to obtain information about town activities and events through various multimedia choices. To reach as many people as possible, the town has expanded information sharing on such platforms as YouTube, Facebook, an updated website and electronic newsletters as well as new digital, web-based signs.
 

“Our goal is to inform folks regarding the services the town delivers and provide a better understanding of the many opportunities available to them,” stated Town Manager, Don Willard. “More importantly, we want to highlight why our town is a great place to live.”

A quick glance at the updated town website demonstrates at least five reasons why Raymond is a good place to call home. There are five videos (with more on the way) featuring important information that showcases the services and employees of this quaint small-town municipality.

In the inaugural videos you will learn a bit about Willard’s background and his interest in local government or hear Raymond Fire Inspector, Captain David Mains speak about the importance of smoke detectors. You will also hear Sue Look, the Town Clerk, talk about the new digital web-based signs located at the town hall and public safety building.

“It used to be [on the old sign] that I would spell out one letter at a time regarding each committee meeting,” Look explains in the video. “Now, I can put all the information on the new sign from my computer or cell phone.”

The new signs are one of the ways Raymond residents can access information. In the video, Look further explains why this new technology is important. She stated that it came in handy during the wind storm this past October. She could easily go online to put up emergency messages on the digital sign such as where to get potable water, warm water and shelter. With this technology, she didn’t have to travel on roads with downed power lines to post the messages – she was able to post the information from the safety of her own home.

Bill Blood at work

The three to five-minute videos are filmed by the town’s professional videographer, Bill Blood. “The reason why videos work so well as a source of information is that this medium is one of the ways a lot of people like to get their news these days,” Blood stated.

Blood is an experienced videographer who worked for a public access station in Portland for over 16 years. He also does freelance work, including making documentaries that take him to places like Hawaii. “Bill has the experience and professionalism that will contribute to the production of high quality, informative videos,” Willard said.

Blood, who has lived in Raymond for 20 years, admits that because of his interviews with the various Every time I create a new video I learn something new about the town and the state I live in,” explained Blood. “This is one of the reasons that I have worked in this line of business for nonprofits for over 20 years now. Not only am I giving back to my community, but I am continuing to learn more about the community, its government, its culture and its people. This gives me greater satisfaction than any amount of money can buy. ”The videos, digital signs and website not only provide important messages to Raymond residents but for visitors and tourists as well. “We want to share with our out-of-town visitors the many benefits of living in Raymond and the abundant recreational opportunities here,” Willard explained.

officials and staff, he is constantly learning new things about the area. “

The new technologies and updated website have not put a strain on the town’s budget. “We know how to do a lot with a little,” explained Willard. “Raymond spends within our means and always has an eye toward providing a better level of services without increasing taxes.”

Even though new and updated technologies are being used to share information with residents, Raymond is still a personable small town. “All of our staff strive to have a positive dialogue with our citizens as they do business in the town office,” Willard said. “We provide a friendly and approachable atmosphere. We still operate in the small-town way.”

To view the videos, visit the Town of Raymond website at www.raymondmaine.org