Finding Joy in Art with Doodlin’ Di

By Rosalie Triolo

After many years of working for the county, Diane Spaulding decided it was time to change course, and start her own business. Her love of art and creative talents, Diane Spaulding became well-known by her nickname, “Doodlin’ Di.”

Di inherited her creative and artistic talents having come from a family with a long history of gifted and talented artists. She has been painting since she was able to hold a brush –some self-taught, and with some instruction, moving on to large-scale painting on old bedsheets at her mom and dad’s house. She then moved on to the walls.

When she first began her new career, she was commissioned to paint murals on walls in private homes, on walls of businesses, and non-profit organizations. Her many credits include the tree painted on the side of the Sap House Meadery in Center Ossipee, working with Building on Hope in Manchester, and painting a mural in the Hope House for young men. She also painted a mural in the Girls Inc. Center. For many years, she participated in Art at the Gafney Library in Wakefield, NH, where her artwork was displayed and raffled to help support the library.

Introducing Paint Nights at the Wakefield Inn, in 2014 Doodlin’ Di and the owners of the Inn combined canvas and cuisine, in an evening of art with a variety of delicious appetizers prepared by the talented chef, Christina Nicastro. While enjoying their refreshments, Di guided the attendees of different ages and skill levels, through the process of how to paint with acrylics on canvas. That evening, Paint Nights was a success which ultimately led to invitations to different venues; homes, businesses and restaurants.

During those many long months of COVID, when everyone sheltered in place for what seemed like an eternity, Di took a break from painting to help organize and facilitate the Wolfeboro Area Mask Makers. An amazing group of people within our community, who came together in a time of need. Di, herself sewed about 700 masks. For her contribution as organizer, facilitator and acknowledging her skilled sewing capabilities, Di received The Spirit of New Hampshire Award along with the other many volunteers. The award, signed by Governor Sununu and Gretchen Stallings Executive Director of Volunteer New Hampshire, is a tribute to the exemplary contribution of volunteerism and to the betterment of life in New Hampshire.

After COVID, with life resuming some sense of normalcy, every few months, Di continues to work with the program coordinator at the Taylor Home in Back Bay, Wolfeboro. It gives residents the opportunity to express themselves through art, giving some of that much needed light in their lives. She works on a seasonal basis at the Tamworth Distillery. “The Tamworth Lyceum has returned to its roots as a space to gather, educate, explore and create.” Also, she works with a select group of businesses and other groups (Old Home Weeks, campgrounds, recreation departments in the area, home parties and fundraisers for local charities). As the holidays grow near, and in between her busy schedule with Paint Nights, Di manages to find time to hand-sew mittens, memory Bears, Santas and Snowmen, create holiday Scandinavian Straw Stars, and holiday decors.

Di said, “Tomten during Christmas Time is a nod to my Scandinavian Heritage.” Tomten is thought to have originated as a mythical creature in Scandinavian folklore. He was said to be a small human-like creature who lived on farmsteads and watched over their inhabitants. At times a Tomten could be found helping with chores and farm work.

For Di Paint Nights have become a source of great fun for both herself and for regulars as well as new participants, who attend her classes. Di said, “I love sharing my supplies, and opening a creative energy for some folks, • Doodlin’ continued on page 23

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