BIDDEFORD — Nora Tryon was an art teacher in the Biddeford school system for 20 years. Since retiring in 2010, she has been spending her time in her art studio, painting and creating new works of art. Although Tryon no longer works daily with students, she will still be able to share her talents with Biddeford youth for years to come.
Tryon is one of two artists whose works have been chosen to grace the walls of the newly renovated Biddeford High School.
Tryon’s painting, one of a series of works portraying the Saco River falls, was installed Thursday in the BHS library and media room.
It joins a colorful abstract painting by Tim Clorius, which hangs in the main lobby of the school.
The inspiration for her piece was the view from her studio in the North Dam Mill, said Tryon, where she can look out the windows at the majestic falls.
The river “is really evocative to me, and I think to the community as well,” said Tryon.
The piece works well at the school because “the history of the city is tied to the river so much and the mills,” she said. “It was a really good fit all the way around.”
When he saw Tryon’s working hanging at North Dam Mill, “it seemed perfect for the space” in the library, said BHS Principal Britton Wolfe.
“It was the right size, it was the colors we wanted and it was a local theme,” he said.
While Tryon’s piece was already completed when chosen, Clorius’ piece was commissioned.
Three of the artists who responded to request for proposals were selected for interviews. From those three, a committee made up of Facilities Manager Phil Radding, former Superintendent of Schools Sarah-Jane Poli and Wolfe chose Clorius.
“What I liked about (Clorius’) painting is it adds a lot of color and has a contemporary feel,” said Wolfe. “We felt it would appeal to students.”
Having artwork in the school is vital, said Wolfe, because it’s important that “Biddeford High School be an artful space and inspires people.
“I wanted the environment to reinforce that we are a culturally rich community,” he said, “that sports and art aren’t mutually exclusive. We have a rich tradition of valuing sports and are equally proud of our band and chorus and visual arts.”
Combined, the two paintings cost $6,500, said Wolfe.
A gift from the Class of 2011, donations from the Parent Teacher Association and $5,000 budgeted for art from the renovation project was used to pay for the works, he said.
The public is invited to an art opening to view the two paintings and meet the artists on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Biddeford High School on Maplewood Avenue.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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