Libraries Exhibit Local Artists' Works

Saturday, Oct. 22, will be the last day Dan Burns is displaying his pictures at the . Burns is a gradute of the University of the Arts. Burns paints in oils.

exhibits works by award-winning local artist Van Buren Payne. The 12 paintings and pencil drawings will be on display at the library until the end of the month. Born in Georgia and raised in Chester, Payne began to draw at the age of 3. Even as a youngster, Payne enjoyed hanging around older artists from whom he could learn. An art major graduate of Chester High School, Payne continued his art studies at Neumann College, the Fleisher Art School in Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Technical Institute.

Now 70, Payne has proven himself a diverse and prolific artist, only putting aside his brushes and easel to march with the Freedom Now Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. Honorably discharged from the United States Army with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class, Payne is retired from the Sun Oil Company. Active in the community, Payne teaches art classes and garners awards for his work in local exhibits and as far away as South Carolina. 

While many of his paintings focus on people and their distinct expressions, Payne also captures scenes of his city, such as the long-gone Chester-Bridgeport Ferry, as well as wildlife and plantings. He states, "I've always been fascinated with color and I strive to find combinations that help me to interpret a subject or scene."     

Additional information on the artist and the works on display is available at the library circulation desk. The Newtown Public Library is located at 201 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073. Please call the library at 610-353-1022 for hours and directions.