Gala Dinner a success

| May 6, 2013

064COSHOCTON – More than 30 residents of Coshocton County had a unique and unforgettable experience last Saturday night during the Pomerene Center for the Arts’ Gala Dinner, which was featured as part of the Dogwood Festival. The dinner followed four original murals in the city of Coshocton and participants learned the history of each mural and the artist.

The first mural was located at Chase Bank on 4th Street in Coshocton. This mural, entitled, ‘Canal Days’ was painted by the late Dean Cornwell and was unveiled at Coshocton National Bank on May 14, 1960. It was moved to its current located in the late 60s. This was Cornwell’s last work of his life.

When asked what he thought was unique about the mural, area Chase bank manager, Todd Brown, said, “I think the vibrant colors, and we’re really pleased that it’s a connection with the bank and the community.”

“There are still people who come in who make a connection with the painting,” added Patrick Carroll, relationship banker.

A variety of prepared vegetables were served by Bob McKenna of Medbery Marketplace at the Chase Bank location.

The mural celebrating the 200th anniversary of Col. Bouquet and his troops coming from Pennsylvania to sign a peace treaty with the Delaware Natives was the next mural viewed and discussed, which is currently located at Central Elementary. This painting, completed in 1964, was originally commissioned by the 1964 Coshocton High School graduating class to Benton Clark. Clark unfortunately died before he could start on this mural, but his friend, Benjamin Blackson took over and completed the job. Blackson’s brother, Lewis ‘Pooch’ Blackson, was present to speak about the mural.

“I would come over and watch him paint this mural,” Blackson said. “I was amazed that he could do that.”

Chris Thomas from the SportZone catered the Central Elementary site, serving prime rib sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, and potato gratin.

Col. Bouquet’s treaty with the Delaware Natives is also depicted in Arthur Willliam Woelfle’s famous mural which has been hanging at the Coshocton County Courthouse since 1908. This 30-foot long, 5-foot high mural was originally painted on canvas and then glued to the wall inside the courthouse behind the judge’s bench. In 1963, Benton Clark restored Woelfle’s painting.

“This is, I think, the most breathtaking mural you will find in Coshocton County,” said Irene Miller of the courthouse.

Bruce Kotab of Oscar Rose catered at the courthouse location, serving grits and shrimp.

The last painting of the evening, located at Edie Ryan’s, depicts a panoramic view of Roscoe Village created by George Young in 1978. This 5 by 16 foot mural was started by Young in 1974 when Edie Ryan waitressed at the restaurant.

“It was really interesting to watch him because you’d come in every day and it would look different,” said Ryan. “He was a good worker. He was really dedicated to it.”

Edie Ryan’s served pie and coffee to end the event.

Johnny Dotson and his crew provided musical entertainment at each location, having to tear down and move all of their instruments and equipment to and from each location. Dotson played a wide variety of music throughout the evening.

The Gala Dinner was a fundraiser to bring a conservation painter to Coshocton from Cleveland to help restore the murals in the county so that the history they represent can be preserved and appreciated for generations to come.

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Category: Arts & Entertainment, Photo Galleries

About the Author ()

I have been employed at the Coshocton County Beacon since September 2009 as a news reporter and assistant graphic artist. I am a 2004 graduate of Newcomerstown High School and a 2008 graduate of Capital University with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing. I am married to John Scott and live in Newcomerstown. We have two beautiful daughters, Amelia Grace Scott and Leanna Rose Scott.

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