The Maplewood Public library now has a watercolor for its walls that commemorates a historic Maplewood building. Carlene Masters, the widow of the late Stan Masters, last week donated one of her late husband’s paintings of one of the Dr. Cape Buildings, that still stands at the corner of Sutton Boulevard and Hazel Avenue.
The storefront had the first Harper’s Pharmacy, according to Maplewood historian, Doug Houser. It was named for Dr. Leander Cape, one of Maplewood’s earliest businessmen and community leaders.
Orbit pinball lounge is in the ground-level corner building now.
Stan Masters’ paintings have grown in value since Carlene contracted Clark Graves Antiques in Clayton to sell her husband’s 350-plus paintings. The highest one has sold for is $8,000. Four were sold to the Mercantile Library in St. Louis, and Carlene donated two in addition to those.
Masters painted between the years of 1970 and 1994, when he had a stoke and couldn’t paint any longer. He died in 2005.
Carlene said he had a show in New York City but it didn’t go well. “They’re mostly into the contemporary stuff — a splash of paint here, a splash of paint there,” she said. “I think around here people appreciate it more.”
Library Director Terry Donnelly said the painting would be framed, with a plaque to commemorate it. He said it might be hung in the hallway to the lower level.
Working with the watercolors of Stan Masters has been the highlight of my career. And getting to know Carlene over these past 7+ years has been a joy and honor. How fitting that one of Stan’s iconic paintings will soon hang in the Maplewood Library. It’s a testament to both the quality of Stan’s work and the generosity of Carlene’s heart.
Hello Robert,
And Aunt Carlene has benefited from your excellent appreciation of Uncle Stan’s work and your kindness.
Faith
Hi Faith,
Thank you for your kind words. It’s been a great project for all of us, hasn’t it?! Did you see the other article about Stan on this wesite?
I haven’t! Which website will I find it??
Try this:
https://40southnews.com/stan-masters-a-world-class-watercoloristfrom-maplewood/
Thank you, great article. Dashing photo of you with Aunt Carlene!!
Thanks, Faith,
It was taken at my shop in 2011, just before we shipped the paintings to New York for the exhibit there. BTW, do you see the painting to the left, the one in the green mat? It’s now hanging in Cedarhurst Center for the Arts- an impressive museum in Mt. Vernon, IL!
What a beautiful gift to be shared with the people! And such an honor to the memory of Uncle Stan.
So proud of you Aunt Carlene!
Aunt Carlene, Uncle Stan would be so honored. Great article. Robert’s appreciation of Uncle Stan’s work is amazing.
Way to go Aunt Carlene! You are a great lady!
Brenda Lajoie
Carlene Masters is a lovely woman who generously shares her late husband’s talents. Stan Masters was an amazing artist! Maplewood is lucky to have Mrs. Masters in the community!
I Love the community spirit and the generousity
Beautiful rendition of a beautiful Maplewood building! Unique–
Wasnt that building an early city hall also?
Patrick – Mr. Houser may chime in, but I believe he said this building was not a city hall.
That’s true. It was not the City Hall. Our first City Hall was in the two-story building at the northern end of the complex.
Is there a business there now?
Marci – yes, Orbit pinball lounge is there now. I added that to the article – thanks for asking.
Oh, thanks! Didn’t recognize it from the painting. Love these historic articles.
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