Nancy Skeele Edwards show opened July 6

The New Woodstock Free Library is presenting an exhibit of works by local artist, historian, teacher, volunteer, community power-house Nancy Skeele Edwards through July 31.

In addition to the exhibit, which spans works from Nancy’s prolific and creative life, the library will be hosting a reception in Edwards’ honor from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2019. Edwards’ family will be on hand to greet friends, co-workers and art enthusiasts, as well as share in the space that contains some of her finest works.

Growing up during World War II as an “Army Air Corps Brat,” Edwards moved from one military base to another with her family, attending 12 different school systems prior to seventh grade. At one location, Edwards’ neighbor was a portrait artist. She was 7 years old and modeled for his drawing classes.

Edwards’ interest in drawing and painting continued to grow. By the time she was in eighth grade, artist Gordon Muck started his teaching career at her school in DeRuyter.

Because of his encouragement and guidance, Edwards received a full-tuition art scholarship to Syracuse University. At different times, Muck and Edwards were art instructors in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District.

Edwards enjoyed working with people – especially children. She tirelessly worked as a teacher, community activist, historical advocate, arts organizer and exhibitor, library volunteer, religious educator and for countless other causes near and dear to her heart.

She shared a long and loving marriage with local TV personality and past chair of the broadcast journalism department at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School Don Edwards.

The couple raised two children, Lee Edwards and Susan Edwards Gregory, who reside in Colorado.

In 1990, Edwards retired from the Fabius-Pompey School District after 30 years of teaching art in several surrounding public school districts. In retirement, she stayed involved with the Pompey Historical Society, Delphi Falls community and restoration projects, Friends of Lorenzo, the Fabius-Pompey Community, New Woodstock Free Library, Cazenovia Watercolor Society and the Cazenovia Shakespeare Club. 

The last two paragraphs of her autobiography, written in 1953 as a high school senior, encapsulate Edwards’ attitude toward life and personality.

In her own words she wrote, “Nancy is very proud of her family and she hopes someday to repay her marvelous parents for all of their love, kindness, understanding and help through all the years … most of all, Nancy wants to make her place in this world, helping in some way to establish a better and peaceful universe by unity.”

For more information about this and other programs and events at the library, call 315.662.3134, visit midyorklib.org/newwoodstock/ or find us on Facebook.

The library is open Mondays from 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

By martha

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