Meet the Artist: Chair Design Inspired by the Table

The Needham Merchants Association's brings together local artists, businesses and organizations in an effort to draw more people downtown and encourage them to shop local.

Placed throughout downtown Needham, each Adirondack chair has its own theme and was painted by a local artist. The chairs will be auctioned off at an event in September, with proceeds to benefit town beautification projects and local students.

Needham Patch will be profiling some of the artists behind these creations throughout the summer. Today, we chat with Nancy Motley Walton, whose chair can be seen at .

For a full list of chairs, artists and locations, .

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Title: “From Garden to Table"
Artist: Nancy Motley Walton
Sponsored by: Sweet Basil
Find it at: , 942 Great Plain Ave.

Why did you decide to participate in this project? I decided to participate in the Adirondack chair project because I think it is a wonderful, fun way to raise money for a good cause, as well as bring visibility to artists in town. I have seen such fundraising efforts in other towns and find it very creative and entertaining.

What was your inspiration for this piece? Its inspiration actually came from a suggestion of a dear friend and fabulous cook, MaryAnne Muller, who like me loves to enjoy a fun and always delicious meal at Sweet Basil, the location at which my chair currently sits. Tomatoes, fresh and warm from the garden, in combination with just picked basil, thinly sliced, with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and bit of salt and pepper, is to me one of the highlights of summer. It seemed the perfect motif for the” Sweet Basil Chair."

What is your background as an artist? Though more about my background can be found on my website, www.nancywalton.com, briefly, I have lived in Needham since 1985 and have been painting in watercolor since 1991, studying with several renowned artists over the years. I belong to several art associations including the Copley Society of Boston. My work is exhibited at Five Crows Gallery in Natick as well as Gallery 55, also in Natick.

I have been teaching art classes here in Needham for the past eight years and will start up yet another session again this coming fall.

Where can someone see more of your work? My work can be seen on the above mentioned website and I can be reached at nbmwalton@verizon.net.

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Click here to read more profiles of "A Chair To Remember" artists.