MILLERTON — If you “Love Lucy” — and the library — here’s a great opportunity to combine the two passions. Local artist Marilyn Nichols, whose art show at the NorthEast-Millerton Library is the first since the doors were closed in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, has donated a painting of the famous redhead for a raffle to benefit the library.
Nichols is making the donation in part as an appreciation for Library Director Rhiannon Leo-Jameson’s decision to provide a venue for her 50-plus paintings.
“She’s such a good soul, and she just takes me in, regardless if I’m famous or not — which I’m not,” said Nichols. “She’s just so eager to be of help, and the library could use a little funding these days. I felt it would be fun and whatever she gets can go to the library.”
Self-taught, Nichols has loved art all her life, starting as a child when she doodled and “played around” with painting and drawing. The result is a collection of oil and acrylic paintings with a whimsical style, which reflects her appreciation of fun.
A native of Millerton, her “Lucy” is in part an homage to her mother, as both she and the comedienne had copper colored hair, and features some glitter as a final touch to her interpretation of Lucy’s crowning glory.
The raffle, she said, is “something different” she was “game to do.” Other paintings are for sale, but she picked Lucy to donate because “I had it over there and said this is the one people might like. If she appeals to people and they take a chance, it’s an opportunity — so what the hay!”
Nichols’ generous act of sharing of her artistic talents is not her first.
“I used to volunteer at Salisbury Central School — pre-k and kindergarten,” she said. “My grandson went there, so instead of just taking him over and dropping him off for three hours, they were so sweet to me I would stay and do artwork — usually three times a week. I was in kindergarten until two years ago, and my grandson is 16 now. I guess I graduated, too.”
Leo-Jameson said the funds are both needed and appreciated. Although the library was closed for a lengthy period due to COVID-19, expenses continued — and even escalated — due to managing the special requirements imposed by the virus as donations diminished.
Leo-Jameson explained that although online library services continued, the library was closed from March until early June. The closure led to additional financial strains, which were compounded by the state-mandated shut-down.
“Usually donations people make across the desk make up a lot of what we take in for the year,” said Leo-Jameson. “You’d be surprised how when someone is paying a fine and lets us round up to the nearest dollar, those things really add up. That’s what we’ve been lacking.”
Contactless pick-up is still available and up to eight masked patrons at a time may use regular library sources and view the art show, which will be on view until Saturday, Aug. 29. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the library at 75 Main St. or at www.nemillertonlibrary.org through the Donate Button. For more information, call 518-789-3340.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
