In the spring of 2025 a woman in Minneapolis, MN gave me a framed print as a donation for my rubber duck series. The print, by the artist Marian Anderson, is titled “Voice of the Lakes - Loons,” and it depicts two Loon birds nesting near a body of water on a foggy morning. The series number on the bottom left indicates that it is print number 570/750, from the collection of Mr. & Mrs. Howard Vetter, 1981.
As per my online research about the artist:
‘Marian Anderson (1936-2021) was a self-taught and self-published artist who is nationally acclaimed with numerous awards and achievements. Recognition for her diversified subjects comes from a natural ability not only to create a beautiful painting, but to breathe spirit and soul into the artwork. In 1980, Marian began offering limited-edition fine art prints of some of her paintings, each print is numbered and signed by Marian. In 2010, she retired from painting and generously donated her business of fine art prints to the Blue Earth County Historical Society. The Society operates the Marian Anderson Art Gallery at the History Center as well as online store featuring a full inventory of prints.’
This particular print was extra special because I found a ‘Certificate of Authentication’ inside the frame when I removed the backing. I looooooooooooooooooooooove certificates of authentication! That’s when you know the piece is serious.
I painted a vampire-themed rubber duck on the print (have you ever heard the call of a Loon? It’s scary…) and returned this ‘new’ artwork to Hidden Treasures Thrift Store on 09/06/2025, around 6:50 pm.
A successful collaboration!
Thank you Marian for your contribution to the work!
I painted a vampire-themed rubber duck on the print and bats flying in the background.
Detail of the vampire-themed rubber duck I painted on the print (Count Duckula?)
Detail of the bats flying off into the distance.
I edited the Certificate of Authentication so that it includes my contribution to the work.
Finished painting back on the shelf at Hidden Treasures Thrift Store, located in NE Minneapolis, MN.
Seamus Liam O’Brien walking into Hidden Treasures Thrift Store and dropping off the framed painting.