Today we learned of the unexpected death of former Trustee Board Chair John Hobbs, whose wisdom, wit and love guided the school through critical times. The role of Board Chair is one that is defined by the human being who assumes that responsibility, but we have learned that--at its best--it is a position of vision, encouragement and a sense of the big picture that feeds positivism. Proctor has been blessed with a long series of gifted Board leaders. The remainder of this page reveals the talent of a true Renaissance man, Bill Peabody. But I offer this as a tribute to two great leaders in Proctor history, and my thoughts are with Kate Hobbs '89 and the rest of John Hobbs's family at this time.
The father of Mike '82 and Will '86 Peabody, Bill was a parent who simply fell in love with Proctor. Long after his sons had graduated, he returned year after year to hike the White Mountains as a leader on new student orientation. Think about that! His spiritual connection with the school's values drew him to a position as a trustee, and he served as co-Chair of the Board of Trustees (with Betsy) from 2004-07. Bill is many things. He's a farmer, an ordained minister, a family counselor and a highly accomplished artist. An exhibit of his recent paintings--entitled Intimate Dialogues--opens Friday evening at 5:00 PM at Lebanon, New Hampshire's AVA Gallery.
I used the term "paintings" to describe Bill's brilliant work, and that is not incorrect, but his true medium is encaustics on wood.
This is pigmented beeswax that is heated for application. For some artists, encaustic wax is frustrating due to the lack of precise control over the final piece, yet--after a career that everything from printmaking to acrylics to sculpture--Bill finds exhilaration in the medium's freedom and unpredictability.
Most of the pieces on display at the AVA were inspired by sketches Bill made traveling the northern tier states and Canada. They convey pastoral farmlands, brilliant autumnal color and stunningly clear perspective.
The exhibit opens with a free reception this Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM, and remains up through February 6. Bill will deliver a talk about his work on Saturday, January 16 at 2:00 PM. Knowing Bill, I predict this will be more of an intimate dialogue than a lecture!
