An art show will be held in conjunction with the Relay for Life of Walworth County event and all proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
The show, “A Day in Monet’s Giverny, France,” is being hosted by impressionist artist Weston J. Courier at Maxwell Mansion, 421 Baker St., Lake Geneva. It will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21.
Courier’s family, like many others, has been touched by cancer so he came up with the idea to use his art to raise funds for the ACS while honoring members of his family.
“All the proceeds from the sale of my art will go directly to the American Cancer Society in honor of my two sister’s, Mary Lou (Courier) Young and Rita M. (Courier) Garcia, and a nephew, David (son of Mary Lou),” Courier said. “They were all very caring and loving people who are deeply missed by their family and friends.”
He said he came up with the name for the art show because Giverny, France – a small town of about 500 people and the home of famous impressionist Claude Monet for his final 43 years – is where Courier learned to paint like the impressionist.
“It was a magical journey back to my roots as my fourth great grandfather was born in France,” Courier said.
Though he realizes now that his interest in art began at a very early age, it was 1995 before Courier finally decided to try painting, particularly in the impressionist style, so he enrolled in a beginning oil painting class and then spent several years trying to perfect his technique.
“Finally, in 2002 I decided to go to the source and study impressionism in France where it had originated. I was able to locate an art study program in Giverny led by the accomplished abstract/impressionist artist, Gale Bennett. It was the perfect opportunity for me,” he said.
In 2006, Courier was again drawn to Giverny to study under Monsieur Bennett and while the class spent time painting at many venues along the Seine River and the Normandy countryside, he said the most memorable paintings were completed in Monet’s garden and pond areas.
Courier said some of his paintings are created “en plain air” – out in nature, while others are done in his studio.
“The paintings are in the classical impressionist style with their brightly-lit skies, reflections in flowing water and multi-colored, textured trees and flowers,” he said.
“A special thank you to Andrew Fritz, for allowing us to have the show at his establishment, and to David Young, who inspired and assisted me with the event,” Courier added.
About the Relay
The American Cancer Society is calling on all members of the greater Walworth County community to participate in the Relay For Life on Friday, July 20.
The Relay For Life program is a community-based event where teams and individuals set up – in this case at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn – and walk around a track or path.
Funds raised support the American Cancer Society 24/7 cancer help line and free rides to chemo.
Teams and individuals can sign up for the Relay For Life event by visiting cancer.org or by calling 800-227-2345. Find details about the event through the website or by following Relay for Life of Walworth County on Facebook.
