Rare and unseen works by artist Wells to be exhibited

Event for famed painter afflicted with Alzheimer’s

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BY DAVID BALL

dball@keysreporter.com

Posted - Friday, November 06, 2009 11:00 AM EST

Family and friends of renowned Keys watercolorist Millard Wells are hosting an exhibition of rare and never-before-seen works from the artist in Islamorada.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, from 4-8 p.m. at La Siesta Resort, mile marker 80.5. Proceeds from sales of Wells’ artwork will go to help with his healthcare expenses. According to family members, Wells is battling Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Illinois.

“He’s in a situation where he could use some help financially,” said Ann Pope, longtime friend of the Wells family. “We thought this would be a great way for the Keys community to give back to a person who has given so much.”

Wells, born in Arkansas, moved to the Keys in 1968 with his wife and the youngest of their six children, Rob and Wendy.

Already a member of the American Watercolor Society since 1966, Wells set up an art studio in Islamorada and soon gained notoriety for his paintings of Keys fishing scenes, sunsets, sailboats and local flora and fauna.

Wells became most known for donating dozens of his works to charities and local fishing tournaments as both logos and prizes. His commercial work includes the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s logo. He also designed the original burgee of the Upper Keys Sailing Club.

Pope said family members found dozens of never-before-seen works when they cleaned out his studio after Wells moved to Illinois.

Some of those works will be featured in a 2010 calendar compiled by Wells’ daughter.

“His late wife, Jeanne, had him paint a calendar every month of whatever was going on with his life at that time,” Pope said. “His family found a stack of calendars he did since the 1980s with original art that’s just incredible. His daughter picked out the 12 she thought were the most significant and put them together.”

Pope said originals, prints and other works will be for sale at all prices ranges. Marcia DeClue will also be offering custom framing at 30-percent discounts during the event. More information is available at www.millardwells.com.