IN THE GALLERY
A Life In Christmas Cards
This exhibit is an autobiographical glimpse into the life of artist/craftsman Benjamin Gillan Soule (b. 1951) told in a series of Christmas/seasonal greeting cards. Many of the 34 cards that Soule has produced are displayed here. Each card reflects something happening in the life of the artist at the time it was produced. The cards are arranged chronologically.
Although they started as Christmas cards, the lack of discretionary time, as well as physical and mental energy, caused their production to drift later and later in the season. For some years, life intervened and creating a card was too difficult.
Family members who are featured in the cards or text are Ben’s first wife Ann Baxter Soule, his second wife Deborah Weiner Soule, his two daughters Emily Soule and Abigail Soule, his parents Dick and Phoebe Soule, his brothers Marc and Gerry Soule, Marc’s wife Jane, and Deb’s parents, Vera and Oscar Weiner. Also portrayed are several beloved pets: cats Missy, Pippin, and Macintosh.
Mr. Soule was born in Boston and has lived most of his life in Lexington. He is a carpenter and former contractor but has explored the visual and creative arts as a maker of magic wands (Preston and Wickes Wands of Distinction), a lifesize dinosaur model creator (DinoWorks) for museums and schools, and a game developer (DIY games.) He is also a singer and actor; local audiences may recognize him as John Hancock in the town’s annual Patriots Day Eve re-enactment of Paul Revere’s Ride into Lexington.
The gallery will be closed the week between Christmas and New Year. Please text if you would like to make a special appointment: 781.454.9163
Although they started as Christmas cards, the lack of discretionary time, as well as physical and mental energy, caused their production to drift later and later in the season. For some years, life intervened and creating a card was too difficult.
Family members who are featured in the cards or text are Ben’s first wife Ann Baxter Soule, his second wife Deborah Weiner Soule, his two daughters Emily Soule and Abigail Soule, his parents Dick and Phoebe Soule, his brothers Marc and Gerry Soule, Marc’s wife Jane, and Deb’s parents, Vera and Oscar Weiner. Also portrayed are several beloved pets: cats Missy, Pippin, and Macintosh.
Mr. Soule was born in Boston and has lived most of his life in Lexington. He is a carpenter and former contractor but has explored the visual and creative arts as a maker of magic wands (Preston and Wickes Wands of Distinction), a lifesize dinosaur model creator (DinoWorks) for museums and schools, and a game developer (DIY games.) He is also a singer and actor; local audiences may recognize him as John Hancock in the town’s annual Patriots Day Eve re-enactment of Paul Revere’s Ride into Lexington.
The gallery will be closed the week between Christmas and New Year. Please text if you would like to make a special appointment: 781.454.9163
