Painting Raffle to Benefit AAUW Scholarship Fund

A chance to win "Mediterranean Elegance", an original acrylic, painted and framed by the late artist Jane Fronappel, is being made available for a limited time by the Lake Wales Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The shady haven that inspired this award-winning painting is El Retiro, formerly known as the Pinewood Estate, located at Bok Tower Gardens. This bucolic spot has been visited by thousands, yet remains a lovely, peaceful retreat, ripe for quiet contemplation.

In this piece, which won Third Place in a Municipal Fine Arts exhibit sponsored by the Lake Wales Arts Council and the City of Lake Wales, the artist has captured the spirit of this special place.

Through her art, Jane Fronappel became a local celebrity and a leader of the local art community. She studied watercolor and acrylics with local artists Tom Freeman, Dorothy Smith Davis, and Carol Conti. Allie Cassel introduced her to oils and mentored her talent. Jane was quoted in The Ledger as saying, "I learned from Allie that I could do it. She encouraged me to stretch and do things I didn't think I could do."

Fronappel eventually achieved a level of success that culminated in a desire by local art lovers to own her paintings. She was a member of a locally famed group called "The Wiregrass Painters". Her style was described by Bill Dickinson, a former executive director of the Lake Wales Arts Center, as "realistic with a gentle quality" which the viewer experiences in this lovely piece.

Well known for her involvement in many local organizations, The Lake Wales Literacy Council and Chamber of Commerce being among them, the artist was also a member of the Frostproof Art League. Upon her death, Fronappel's remaining collection of paintings was generously gifted to the local AAUW, of which she was a long-time member, to be used to raise funds for the Association's many worthwhile projects. A very successful sale was held at the time and all of her donated paintings were eagerly purchased.

Now, in a stroke of good luck for art lovers, this award-winning painting has become available again through one of the original buyers, with the intent to raise funds for the club's Scholarship Fund. The members feel that Jane would be pleased by this, since the yearly scholarships awarded were especially close to her heart.

The painting will be displayed at the AAUW Booth at Pioneer Days in Lake Wales on October 29th and 30th from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, where chances will be available for a donation of $5.00 each, 3 for $10 or 7 for $20. They can also be arranged starting Oct. 18th by mail with a check addressed to AAUW, P.O. Box 1264, Lake Wales, 33959, or by calling 631-317-0159. Drawing will be held on November 15th , 2022 at 1:30 pm during the AAUW November Branch meeting to be held at Wales Pointe Restaurant in Lake Wales.

AAUW Lake Wales Branch, Inc. is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization whose purpose is to promote equity for women through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Scholarship Fund supports women who are currently pursuing a college education. For further information, visit lakewales-fl.aauw.net or visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/aauwlakewales.