The city of Fort Thomas received a heartfelt gift from local artist Beverly Erschell at the September council meeting. Erschell, with the help of interior designer Sherry Thompson and Council Member Ken Bowman, unveiled her new work featuring and dedicated to the city.
An artist whose work is represented in major corporate and museum collections across the country, Erschell also happens to be a Fort Thomas resident and plays an active role in the community.
“I am thrilled that I am included in this direct donation to you,” she said. “I’ve been up there [to the renovated city building] and I’ve seen what they’ve done, and it’s beautiful … And this painting is going to be right in the entrance on the second floor. You’ll be able to see it from the first and the second floor.
“I wanted to make it warm and cheerful and everything we love about our city — the parks, the people, the green spaces — and now you will see it.”
With that, she unveiled the painting to rounds of applause. Erschell pointed out some of the buildings and places in her city depicted in the painting including the city building, shelter in the park, clock tower, amphitheater, Highland High School, churches and lots of trees and dogs and children enjoying the playgrounds around the city.
It was a challenge to include all the places she wanted, she said.
“I just sort of picked out symbols of things represented so everyone had a space,” Erschell said.
Mayor Eric Haas thanked Erschell on behalf of the city.
“That is so wonderful for the city building,” Haas said. “I cannot wait to be there. It’ll be very soon. Thank you so much, Bev. We are so excited to see this artwork.”
For more on Beverly Erschell and her art, go to beverlyerschell.com.