Anne’s Chestnut Tree
Through the brush of Tom Thiery and Kris Schmidt
Anne Frank went into hiding in July 1942. During that time, one of the only ways she could interact with nature was by looking out the attic window of the Secret Annex. Gazing at the chestnut tree, the sky, and the changing seasons gave her hope that the cruelty of war would one day end and peace would return.
Local artists Tom Thiery and Kris Schmidt each read Anne’s diary and drew inspiration from her words and the photos above before creating the original pieces displayed in this exhibit. Their paintings will be auctioned to support the Pop-up Holocaust Museum.
February 23, 1944, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank - The Definitive Edition
“As long as this exists,” I thought, “this sunshine and this cloudless sky, and as long as I can enjoy it, how can I be sad?”
The best remedy for those who are frightened, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere they can be alone, alone with the sky, nature and God. For then, and only then can you feel thateverything is as it should be and that God wants people to be happy amid nature’s beauty and simplicity.
As long as this exists, and that should be forever, I know that there will be solace for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances. I firmly believe that nature can bring comfort to all who suffer.
Oh, who knows, perhaps it won’t be long before I can share this overwhelming feeling of happiness with someone who feels the same as I do.
Yours,
Anne
Local students and additional artists are invited to share their own interpretations of Anne’s view, reflecting on hope, resilience, and the power of imagination in times of hardship.Tom and Kris's paintings are below.
Tom Thiery's Painting - Current Bid $400
"As long as this exists"
Kris Schmidt's Painting - Current Bid: $650
Charity Art Auction -
The paintings from Tom and Kris will be displayed in the Lenawee Pop-Up Holocaust Museum from March 3rd - April 19th. Bids will be taken on-site or through email. The highest bid amount at the time will be displayed until the bidder is outbid. Only the amount of the bid will be displayed, bidder name and contact information will remain confidential. On April 19th at the Community Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah Commeration) final bids will take place and the winners will be announced.
To place a bid by email, email us at AdrianDiversityEventFund@gmail.com