The Westview News

Press Release
Local Artist Tom Menard Contributes To Westview's "Main Street...USA"
Date
May 9, 2008

As Westview Health Care Center nears completion of their renovations; local artist Tom Menard puts the finishing touches on "Main Street...USA".

Celebrating its first year since opening their new state-of-the-art 65 bed addition, Westview has been creatively renovating it's old West Wing to resemble quaint shops along a busy downtown northeastern Connecticut scenic setting called "Main Street...USA". This exciting and unique project will further enhance Westview's social programs and many offerings for the patients and residents of the facility with a library, 50's style diner, boutique, arts and crafts center, movie theater and family gathering room.

Local Killingly resident and artist, Tom Menard was commissioned to complete an acrylic 20x10 wall of art that reflects life in northeastern Connecticut. Westview Administrator, David T. Panteleakos remarks, "We are very excited to bring this unique concept to our community and we are thrilled that Mr. Menard agreed to contribute his special talents to the incredible art of Westview's Main Street...USA. Tom has gained steady acclaim for his local folk art renderings and our residents, patients and visitors will relate to the familiar land marks, structures and landscape settings that make northeastern Connecticut such a great place to live."

Tom Menard is a self-taught artist who has been painting since 1968. Menard's work has appeared in various publications, including Mohegan Sun Legends Magazine and his intricately detailed paintings have been replicated in full color print editions and distributed internationally by Aaron Ashley Publishing of New York, NY. Menard's community portraits draw the viewer into a scene filled with natural beauty, simplicity, and small-town hustle and bustle. They can be seen in the Woodstock, Putnam, Brooklyn, Thompson, Killingly and Manchester town halls.

Mr. Menard states, "This is the largest piece of artwork that I have created in my career. I am grateful to Westview for this opportunity and look forward to putting the finishing touches on the project so everyone can enjoy."

The anticipated opening for "Main Street...USA" is slated for mid July 08.