Meet the Artist: Chair Offers New View of Charles River

The Needham Merchants Association's brings together local artists, businesses and organizations in an effort to draw more people downtown and encourage them to shop local.

Placed throughout downtown Needham, each Adirondack chair has its own theme and was painted by a local artist. The chairs will be auctioned off at an event in September, with proceeds to benefit town beautification projects and local students.

Needham Patch will be profiling some of the artists behind these creations throughout the summer. Today, we chat with Keith McClelland, whose chair can be seen at .

For a full list of chairs, artists and locations, .

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Title: "The Charles River at Cutler Reservation"
Artist: Keith McClelland
Sponsored by: The UPS Store
Find it at: , 946 Great Plain Ave

Why did you decide to participate in this project? I like to be involved in both art and civic activities, so it was a natural fit.

What was your inspiration for the piece? The Charles River forms 3/4 of the town's boundary; it is really an important part of the town. I've always loved the views and the nature at Cutler, and so do many townsfolk, so this seemed a good place for a river view.

While trying to fit an image to the odd shapes of a chair, I thought of splitting the chair back between above-water and below-water views. This gave me more places to illustrate wildlife. My grandson loves mud, so what better basis for the bottom of a chair that is also the bottom of a river?

What is your background as an artist? I've been serious about art for more than 20 years.

What is your medium of choice? Much of my work has been in colored pencil or oil pastel, but I also try watercolor and acrylic paint.

Where can someone see more of your work? I usually have a piece or two in the Needham Art Association's shows.

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Click here to read more profiles of "A Chair To Remember" artists.