President Bush laughs with painter Andrew Wyeth after presenting him with the 2007 National Medal of Arts. MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images Visit the Photo Place

Thank you for remembering Wyeth

Date published: 1/28/2009

As a native of Chadds Ford, Pa., and neighbor of the Wyeth family, I was proud to see that The Free Lance-Star noted Andrew Wyeth's passing, but more so his life ["American painter Andrew Wyeth dies," Jan. 17].

When I see an Andy Wyeth painting, I see home. Daily, I would pass frequent subjects of his, Kuerner's farm and Archie's Corner.

I could not get home without crossing the point where his father, N.C. Wyeth, tragically passed.

Instead of playing along the Rappahannock, I swam the Brandywine. The first road I drove was Route 100, the road of the Wyeth homestead that ends at the River Museum.

I easily identify myself with work produced by the Wyeths.

Mr. Wyeth always felt that when his paintings were on display, his soul was laid bare, and he was vulnerable. Keeping this in mind, it is quite understandable why he did not want anyone to know of the "Helga" paintings.

Who would understand him? Who could believe that their relationship was purely professional with such soul-bearing paintings? He saw her as a human embodiment of the surrounding landscape.

Parents, take note of this: Growing up with the value of the arts imprinted firmly upon my young mind influences me to this day.

I hope that the youth of Fredericksburg take similar advantage of the art history that's so rich in this area.

Do not overlook the importance of teaching your children about Gari Melchers' work created at Belmont, read Claudia Emerson's beautiful poetry, or attend any of the local events celebrating the arts.

"What importance?" you might ask. No matter the form, art helps us find ourselves.

Laura Diamantopoulos

Spotsylvania

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Date published: 1/28/2009