CASA-inspired painting bought at auction, will hang in CruCon headquarters

MOULTONBOROUGH — Three years after it began touring the state as part of a campaign celebrating the work done by volunteer advocates for the state's abused and neglected children, CASA of New Hampshire's specially-commissioned "For the Child" painting has found its way into a forever home.

The painting, by Seacoast-based artist Richard Haynes, was purchased by Sandy Cleary, president and CEO of CruCon Cruise Outlet, based in Moultonborough. The painting will now hang permanently in the lobby of CruCon's headquarters.

Clery purchased the painting the live auction at CASA Cares, an Evening of Giving for New Hampshire's Children, presented by CruCon. CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

"We are very excited to have acquired this beautiful piece during this year's CASA Cares event," Cleary said. "As what we strive for with every child we help, we are happy to have found this painting a 'Forever Home' and it will be a focal point within our building for years to come."

Haynes' painting, done in his signature-style of strong shapes and bright colors, depicts a courtroom scene with a CASA volunteer in action. The 44' by 38' painting, also spent the last three years collecting "autographs of distinction" on a blank panel on the back.

Signees include New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte, Congresswomen Annie Kuster and Carol Shea-Porter, inventor Dean Kamen, Poet Laureate Donald Hall, filmmaker Ken Burns, and historian Fritz Wetherbee.

Cutline:

CASA of New Hampshire President and CEO Marcia Sink, center, and Director of Operations Kathleen McArdle, right, present CASA's "For the Child" painting to Sandy Cleary, president and CEO of CruCon Cruise Outlet, based in Moultonborough. Cleary was the top bidder on the painting. The painting now hangs in its "Forever Home" at CruCon's headquarters. (Courtesy photo)