Lisa Green reports from Lenox. “We came to support our friend and fellow merchant,” said many of the guests attending a benefit for master sculptor Andrew DeVries at Ventfort Hall on Saturday evening, March 3. The award-winning bronze artist, who has a gallery on Church Street in Lenox, lost his foundry (in Middlefield, Mass.) in a devastating fire the day after Thanksgiving. His molds and many of his works of art were also lost. But the outpouring of support for DeVries and his wife, Patricia Purdy, has been extraordinary, and the proceeds from this event, spearheaded by the Lenox Chamber, will help fill the coffers so that DeVries can rebuild his foundry. Ventfort Hall donated the space, Nejaime’s provided the beer and wine; others (including James Taylor) offered items for the silent auction. The artist’s drawings that survived the fire — singed around the edges — have been framed by a merchant and were on display (and for sale). Clearly respected and loved by the community, DeVries thanked his friends and supporters. “The artwork comes through my hands, and it’s a gift,” he said, “but all of you are the gift to me.” [Above, Patricia Purdy and Andrew DeVries.]
Natalie Tublitz and Susan Frisch Lehrer, who worked at Chesterwood when DeVries first exhibited there; Fran Fowler, Beth Joppru and Andy Mick.
Dennis Messana and Victoria Ross, real estate agent at Stone House Properties.
Consultant Christine Singer and Ken Singer, CEO of Berkshire County Arc, who own several of DeVries’ pieces, including a bust of Ken Singer’s mother; Jamie Trie, marketing director of the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, and Autumn Ni Dubhghaill, artist and musician.
Chocolate Springs chocolates decorated with DeVries images.
Tracy Hiltpold, Jeff Hiltpold and Marj Hastings; DeVries thanks his supporters.
Nancy Garton and Barry Garton of Adams; Pieter Vanschaick and Suzannah Vanschaick, recently retired from their Lenox business, Second Home.
Chesterwood staffers past and present gathered for sentimental reasons: Chesterwood was DeVries’ first museum collaboration, and also where he met his wife, who managed the gift shop.