The legendary work of Mary Win

PRINCETON — Art lovers and former students of longtime Princeton artist Mary Win Walter Norris will have another chance to secure a piece of the artist’s history for their own.

Dozens of art pieces done by Norris will be sold at auction Saturday at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Ave. East in Princeton. The original artwork will include, in part, oil paintings and watercolors, sketches, sculptures and ceramics. A preview showing of the artwork will be on the same day from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Prairie Arts Center. A wine reception begins at 5 p.m., and the auction is set to begin at 6 p.m.

Family member Holly (Walter) Jordan, formerly of Princeton but now of the Champaign area, has worked for several weeks organizing the sale of the artwork. Auctioneer Tom Tumbleson will handle the auction.

Jordan said there will be lots of pieces which people have never seen before. Norris was so well-known throughout the area for her artwork and also had legions of students through the years who may enjoy seeing some of Norris’ artwork once again, as well as having a piece for their own homes, Jordan said.

In February 2010, the Prairie Arts Council honored Norris with a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award for her significant contributions to the arts to the community. As both a local artist and art educator, Norris has been a tremendous advocate for the arts and has been very influential in raising the awareness and appreciation of the arts in the community. Her life has been dedicated to the arts, and the community has greatly benefited from her considerable achievements in the arts, as stated by the Prairie Arts Council tribute.

Norris, who now lives in Heartland Health Care Center in Henry, celebrated her 98th birthday in August.

When she moved from her Princeton home, her sketch pad and colored pencils went with her, Jordan said. Norris is still drawing and creating her art. In fact, she entered a new piece this year at the Marshall-Putnam County Fair, and not surprisingly, received a blue ribbon, Jordan said.

All proceeds from Saturday’s auction will go for the ongoing care of Norris.

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