UNH Extension invites nature and art enthusiasts to bid on one-of-a-kind paintings by New Hampshire artist James Trask ’64 in the online Love Your Mother Earth Art Auction April 18-28, 2022. Proceeds will benefit Extension volunteer programs that support the outdoors – Natural Resources Stewards, the NH Big Tree Program and the NH Coverts Project.
Trask grew up in Keene and graduated from UNH’s forestry program. In his free time, he enjoyed painting and was specifically inspired by the New Hampshire forests he so loved – its trees, flowers, winding paths and babbling brooks.
When he passed away in 2008, his nephew, Norman Spicher, inherited his paintings. Spicher struggled to know what do with the large collection but wanted the art to be enjoyed by others.
Having volunteered with UNH Extension through both Natural Resources Stewards and the NH Coverts Project, one day Spicher had an epiphany — he could donate them to Extension with proceeds benefitting these volunteer programs that support the outdoors. So that’s just what he did!
Why Buy?
Bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home with these scenic watercolor landscapes. They make for thoughtful Mother’s Day (May 8) and Father’s Day (June 19) gifts. In addition to showing your love for our natural world, your purchase of local artwork will support programs that help New Hampshire’s woods and the wildlife.
How to Bid
To bid on paintings, simply create an account through our host site, 32 Auctions, with your name, email address and a password. Then head to our Love Your Mother Earth Art Auction page.
Once the auction is live, you can type in your bid or you can choose the “Buy Now” option, which allows you to purchase the painting for its appraised price.
Please note that some paintings are framed, and some are not. Check the item description for full details. Payment types include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and PayPal.
About James Trask’s Art
As a forester with over 35 years of experience, Trask drew upon the dark brown and dark green colors of the forest with varying degrees of lighter shades and hues, including orange and yellow. In the process of developing his artistic style, he became increasingly aware that his concept of reality in the forest was heightened because of his profession and his relationship to the land. Through his paintings his desire was to increase the public’s awareness of these forested landscapes while instilling an appreciation for them.
About Natural Resources Stewards, NH Big Tree Program and the NH Coverts Project
The Love Your Mother Earth Art Auction will support the following programs:
Natural Resources Stewards is a program sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Division of Forests and Lands and the USFS Forest Service. Natural Resources Stewards are community volunteers of all ages and walks of life. The program offers a comprehensive training and volunteer support network for people who love the outdoors and want to learn, explore and share the nature of New Hampshire.
The NH Big Tree Program measures the biggest trees in the state. It is sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Division of Forests and Lands and the Society of the Protection of NH Forests.
The NH Coverts Project trains volunteers in wildlife conservation, forest stewardship and effective outreach. NH Coverts volunteers are landowners, local decision-makers, teachers, businesspeople, writers, retirees – anyone who wants to help wildlife in New Hampshire. NH Coverts Project is sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension and NH Fish and Game, with support from the NH Division of Forests and Lands.
