Artwork gifted to people of Mexico by local artist

Artwork on display through the month of June at Leamington Arts Centre features a portrait painting “Isabella and Isabella” that was recently gifted by artist Don Waffle to the people of Mexico through the Leamington Consulate.

The painting, a Latino grandmother and granddaughter, carries a story of a warm friendship that developed between a local Canadian couple, Bob Armstrong and his wife Dr. Catherine Petrimoulx, and Mexican workers on the farm of Terry Wright, near Harrow. Their closest friend was the boss of the crew on Terry’s farm.

A portrait painting of Isabella and Isabella has been gifted to the people of Mexico by local artist Don Waffle.

The friendship began with Bob bringing Spanish language newspapers to the news-starved workers.

It grew to Bob and Catherine providing a weekend haven by the shore of Lake Erie and summer fiestas featuring Mexican meals that eventually drew dozens of workers from the entire area.

Bob and Catherine decided to take their annual two-week holiday in Mexico. That drew requests from the Mexican workers to visit them. They visited their friend at his family village and ranch in the hills of Northern Mexico. As their bus drew near, the entire village turned out in happy welcome.

It was there that Catherine took the photo of Isabella and Isabella. It was their prize photo.

Returning to Canada, Bob asked Don Waffle to do a painting of Isabella and Isabella. Don did the portrait in watercolour and gifted his work to Bob and Catherine.

Bob had the painting beautifully framed and it was in their home for many years.

When Bob passed away in 2017, Catherine returned the painting to Don.

After a time, it occurred to Don that the best location for the painting would be where it could be enjoyed by others.

In 2018, Dr. Catherine and Don approached the Leamington Mexican Consulate, where it was of great interest from the Consul of the time, Alberto Acero, and the Deputy Consul, Alejandro Noriega Valdez.

It was the tireless work of Consular Asistente Graciela with the powers in Mexico City that this portrait of Isabella and Isabella has been gifted to the people of Mexico. It will be placed in the Consulate for the interest and pleasure of all visitors.