Hidden Mural

On a walk today, I happened to see Trudy working in the yard. She invited me in, gave me a grand tour of the house she and her husband have been remodeling, and showed me the hidden treasure about which I had read in the local paper: an original mural painted by Joan Balfour Payne Dicks. For years, the mural had been hidden behind burlap on a stair wall. I can only imagine the surprise and delight that awaited Trudy and the workmen who painstakingly removed the layers and discovered the charming painting.

Joan Balfour Payne, a Sewanee resident, was a renowned children's book illustrator, whose work garnered national attention and praise in the 1950s. A Googler will discover more than 1900 links for her, and a look at some of her books will charm and delight, especially in light of her interest in what we today call multicultural literature, of which she was a pioneer.


What moved me today was not just seeing the mural, which was lovely, but witnessing Trudy's enthusiasm. She has collected a library of Payne's books. When I asked her how can found so many, she smiled and said, "The Internet!" She has shelved them facing outwards like a display and hopes to invite the local third graders to visit for a talk and a reading. She even imagines re-publication of several of the books. Of course, these plans will be realized at some future time when she and her husband are settled in the new house. Meantime, she plans and enjoys the planning, she collects and she enjoys the collection, and she shares her discovery.

What unexpected treats grow from a little exercise.