Judy Butler met Tomie at Colby Junior College in New London, NH, in the 1960s. Tomie had been hired to design scenery for the fall play, “Nude with Violin,” by Noel Coward. Judy spent over 100 hours helping Tomie paint scenery.
During the mid-1970s, Judy planned to visit Tomie and his then-partner, Doug. She asked Tomie if he wanted anything from the Boston area where she lived.
He asked her to bring blank needlepoint canvases. Tomie knew that Judy enjoyed doing needlepoint.
Months earlier, Tomie and Doug had spent several weeks in Las Vegas. During that time, Tomie re-connected with Joan Rivers who was performing in Las Vegas. She asked Tomie to paint a needlepoint canvas for her.
Judy indeed brought canvases with her and told Tomie that payment for them would be a painted canvas for her, too.
Tomie and Doug presented Judy her painted canvas at her birthday celebration in an area restaurant.
Here’s a photo of the pillow she made with her canvas.
Thanks to Judy for sharing this story. (Bob)
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