Leonard Wren, An American Impressionist Artist, donated an original piece of artwork to The Midland Theater Foundation to help raise funds for the renovation and revitalization of The Midland Theater & Event Center in downtown Coffeyville. The foundation decided to sell raffle tickets for the donated piece leading up to their event on May 19, 2018, “An Evening for Pearl: Celebrating 100 Years.”
Wren, a Coffeyville native, began painting in the mid-1970s and after closing his commercial design business, followed his passion to concentrate on his love of art. Wren is considered one of the leading American Impressionists. He currently resides in Owasso, Okla.
During the summer of 2017, Wren was inspired by the perspective of looking down Eighth Street from Walnut and seeing the landmarks so important to our small town’s history. The oil painting features the Dale Hotel and the beautiful exterior of The Midland Theater.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to support The Midland Theater Foundation,” said Peggy Steele, Board Member of The Midland Theater Foundation. “With the purchase of just one raffle ticket—all proceeds benefiting the foundation—the community gained the chance to become the proud owner of this one-of-a kind oil painting that brings to mind so many fond memories of downtown Coffeyville and its importance to the center of our community.”
With nearly 100 raffle tickets sold at $50 each, the foundation was able to raise more than $4500. Jim Taylor, Jr., President of Taylor Crane & Rigging, Inc. and Commissioner for the City of Coffeyville, was the lucky winner of Wren’s original oil painting. Taylor purchased several tickets for the painting and upon learning he had won was thrilled stating ‘he had known Leonard for years.’ In fact, Leonard painted one of Taylor’s first professionally done truck signs.
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