Flanders Receives Artist’s Donation

WOODBURY — Artist Tom Yost has given Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust a painting that celebrates the ephemeral beauty of springtime in New England. The work, an oil on canvas titled “Spring Blossoms at Flanders,” depicts a trio of apple trees in a field at the nature center.

The donated work is on exhibit through October 17 at Carole Peck’s Good News Cafe.

Mr Yost is also the featured artist of this year’s Four Seasons of Flanders benefit auction and dinner, which will be conducted October 22 at the Southbury Hilton. His painting will be reproduced on the covers of the event’s invitation and catalog, and it will be for sale during the live auction.

“Tom Yost’s painting has captured in exquisite detail the qualities of a beautiful spring day at Flanders,” said Arthur Milnor, executive director of Flanders, a community organization dedicated to promoting the conservation, understanding and enjoyment of nature. “You can almost smell the apple blossoms and see them swaying in the gentle breeze.”

Mr Yost drew inspiration from a visit to Flanders in early spring.

“Springtime comes and goes quickly in New England,” he said. “I saw the three old fruit trees in the field above the house, two of which were still in full bloom. The soft pastel colors in the grass, trees and hills seem to last only a moment before the full green of summer settles in.”

A native of Oregon who currently resides in Roxbury, Mr Yost began his professional life as a geologist. After eight years, he embarked on a career as an art conservator, founding Yost Restoration, Inc, in 1989. He acquired a reputation as one of the top people in that field, all the while indulging in his first love, landscape painting.

Several other recognized area artists have joined Mr Yost in donating works for the upcoming auction.

Other items to be auctioned include antiques and a wide variety of goods and services donated by local businesses and individuals.

Good News Café is at 694 Main Street South (Route 6). For information, call 203-266-4663 or visit www.good-news-cafe.com.

For information about the art exhibit and the auction, call 203-263-3711 or visit FlandersNatureCenter.org.