Leonard R. Craig

SHAWMUT -- On April 13, 2010, Leonard R. Craig of Shawmut died peacefully.

The son of Calvin and Della Craig, he was born in Springfield, Mass., on April 11, 1926, and raised in Shawmut. The day after graduating from Lawrence High School in 1944, Leonard was called to military duty and served his country with distinction in the Philippines, receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Following the war, he entered the New England Art & Design Institute in Boston and later, Boston University where he completed his bachelor of fine arts degree. In 1954, he reentered military service and studied to be a language translator.

Following the Korean War, Leonard painted the reredos for St. Mary's Church in Asheville, N.C. There he received a grant to study for a year with Pietro Annigoni in Florence, Italy. He continued his studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti for eight more years where he earned a Ph.D. under the direction of Sergio Scatizzi. In 1964, he was commissioned to design the holy vestments of H.H. Pope Paul VI for which he received a Papal Medal of Recognition. From 1966 to 1972, Leonard taught at The Asheville School in North Carolina and at West Carolina University while maintaining an apartment in Florence.

In 1972, Leonard joined Unity College faculty. During his 20-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing Unity's art and humanities disciplines. Following retirement, he was awarded the status of professor emeritus. In 2003, he was further honored by the dedication of the Leonard R. Craig Art Gallery at Unity College.

Leonard has exhibited throughout the United States and Italy. Institutions and individuals, including the Florence Museum of Modern Art and the Vatican, have collected his paintings, prints and drawings. Although he had not exhibited in the past few years, he continues to be represented by the ICON Gallery of Contemporary Art in Brunswick. Always a lover of nature, Leonard expressed his pastoral passion in art and the pursuit of outdoor activities.

Dedicated as a teacher, scholar and accomplished artist, Leonard was a renaissance man who touched the lives of relatives and countless friends, students and acquaintances with his hospitality, warmth and dignified yet unassuming presence. As an entertainer and gracious host, he loved visitors, making his guests welcomed with his delicious cooking, art studio tours and stimulating conversation.

Leonard was predeceased by his brothers, Leon and Ronald.

He is survived by his sister, Sylvia Gordon and two brothers, Belford and Clayton along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Leonard wished for his remains to be scattered on the Arno River in his beloved Florence, Italy.

A celebration of his life will be held in June with location and date to be announced in the Waterville Morning Sentinel.

Friends wishing may make donations in his memory to the Leonard R. Craig Gallery, at Unity College, Office of College Advancement, 90 Quaker Hill Road, Unity, ME 04988.

Final arrangements are in the care of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan. www.legacy.com/obituaries/mainetoday-morningsentinel/