DUNNVILLE — On Thursday, November 21, 2024, family, friends, and former art students of the late William Biddle gathered at the Dunnville Public Library to honour the person and the artist he was, with the presentation of an original acrylic painting to be hung in the library in his memory.
Many in attendance shared fond memories of times spent in classes with Biddle. Kathy Drewitt of Caledonia said, “He was a wonderful teacher and I really miss him.”
Other sentiments heard prior to the presentation included how “he was a marvellous artist” and how this event is “a wonderful way to commemorate him (and) his contribution to the community; he brought so many people in.”
All in all, the overall tone of the event was that Biddle was highly regarded and sadly missed.
Maggie Solvsten, who spearheaded the event, said, “We thought this would be a nice spot and we enjoyed painting with him. He was pretty special.”
Madeline Van Paemel shared an emotional tribute to the artist while presenting the painting to the library, saying, “We are here together to pay our respects to our teacher Bill Biddle for his years of patience of our efforts to become better artists.”
She also thanked Biddle’s wife, Pam, who “was nice enough to give (Biddle’s painting) to us to use” in this donation.
Following Van Paemel, Lindsay Thomas, Dunnville Library Branch Manager, shared, “The library is very proud to have an original piece of William Biddle’s work here on site.”
The painting will be on display at the circulation desk where “it can be enjoyed by generations of families who visit us.”
In speaking of the arts heritage in Dunnville, Thomas said, “He was a very integral part of that blossoming in our community so we are very proud to honour it…. I am glad to see all of these members of our community honouring his memory.”
Biddle was born in Hamilton on October 25, 1937 and he passed away December 8, 2023. His studies included the Art Student’s League and the American School of Design in New York. He formed WM Biddle Illustrative Ltd. in Toronto and Hamilton. He also had a gallery in Dunnville, where he resided with his wife until his passing.
