Mechanics Savings Bank Unveils Local Artist Painting

Raymond Beach Painting by Wendy Newcomb Unveiled at Mechanics Savings Bank in Windham

A painting entitled Raymond Beach, created by local artist Wendy Newcomb specifically for the lobby of Mechanics Savings Bank in Windham, was unveiled on October 1st. The Raymond Beach triptych (a painting composed of three smaller pieces) was unveiled by Mechanics Savings Bank President and CEO Rick Vail, alongside Newcomb, at an evening reception that was attended by members of the Windham business community, the arts community, and Bank customers.

The oil on board Raymond Beach triptych measuring 24" x 96" was selected during a thirty-day public voting process that began in March. Lakes Region residents had the opportunity to cast their votes for one of three preparatory sketches by Newcomb – Muddy River, Sebago Morning and Raymond Beach.  All three sketches were creations from Newcomb’s time spent on nearby Sebago Lake.

“We have been looking forward to the installation of Raymond Beach since the selection process began last March,” stated Vail. “I am pleased to say it is even more beautiful than I had imagined it would be. It is now the focal point of our lobby for our customers to enjoy for years to come.”

Vail noted that the election was designed to ensure that the bank’s lobby is reflective of the community. “It has truly been a pleasure and an honor to work with Wendy Newcomb, a talented and well-known local artist, who created a scene from the Lakes Region area that local residents helped identify,” Vail continued.

As a landscape painter, Newcomb's interest is deeply rooted in the environment.  "Painting a well-loved local landmark for the Windham branch of Mechanics Savings Bank reinforces the importance of how we are connected to the landscape - and especially one as distinctive and beautiful as the Sebago Lake area,” commented Newcomb. “It reinforces the connection with the bank, its customers, and the landscape which is part of the area they serve."  

Newcomb completed the painting within a year, from preliminary sketches to the final work that was unveiled October 1. Her illustrations and paintings have appeared in a number of publications, including L.L.Bean, Bayview Press, Old Cars Weekly, and Artists of New England. She has taught adult education classes in painting, mask workshops, and has volunteered as a visiting artist at local schools and nursing homes. She is a member of the Maine Arts Commission, The Chocolate Church Arts Center and the Portland Museum of Art. Wendy's artwork is available to purchase and she is available for commission works. Newcomb is represented by Hole in the Wall Gallery in Raymond, Maine, not far from Mechanics Savings Bank’s Windham branch.

Other paintings by Wendy Newcomb will be displayed for the month of October at the Windham branch, courtesy of Hole In the Wall Gallery in Raymond.

The Mechanics Savings Bank Windham branch lobby is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The drive-up ATM is open 24 hours.

Founded in 1875, Mechanics Savings Bank currently serves customers from three branch offices located in Auburn, Lewiston, and Windham, Maine. Mechanics Savings Bank has assets of $260 million and participates in a surcharge-free ATM network that includes approximately 17,000 ATM locations nationwide. More information is available at www.mechanicssavings.com or by calling 1-800-325-7553.  Mechanics Savings Bank is an FDIC Member.