Baker Legacy March Newsletter

Thank you so much for making donations to the Baker Legacy! $10,500 was raised on these three sites"

• indiegogo.com
• Fracturedatlas.org/what’s your story
• bakerlegacy.com

What’s been done so far? Lots!

In addition to events listed to the right, there will be a special showing for fourth, fifth and sixth-graders at the Jackson Grammar School on September 27, and a private screening for 50 patrons at the Wentworth Inn scheduled for early September. It’s going to be hard to limit the guest list to 50 because so many of you have given so much. Invitations will go out in July.

The documentary is reaching completion of the rough-cut stage, with just a few more reshoots and interviews left to do in May. Reggie Osborn, a filmmaker and TV access teacher of Portland, Maine, will be helping me polish the movie. Right now I have an intern, Joseph Migeed of Belmont, Massachusetts, a student at the New England Institute of Art, who is working toward a degree in film-making. He is a joy to work with and very knowledgeable in audio production – just what I needed to perfect the older clips I am using from 1999 and 1989 interviews with David. Final and frantic editing will happen this June and the first two weeks in July. DVD production is scheduled for early August.

David Baker’s story is told through stories from about 30 people, with hundreds of photographs and images of David’s work covering his incredible career, from cartoons to all the different stages of his watercolors, oils, and Vitreous Flux paintings.

You’ll see his gallery in all its different stages and hear first-hand of the people involved in all the different stages of David’s life and career. You will learn about the two tragedies in the Baker family and how David’s art mirrored the losses, about how he struggled as an artist, and how he overcame obstacles with ingenuity, determination and his love of art.

Art collectors, friends, models and artists describe different eras of David’s life, including the “Drawing Group,” and the culture of music and art the Bakers hosted. The viewer will realize the important role David’s wife, Jerry, played in keeping the whole scene going, with her caring and loving manner, and her ready smile.  The movie is filled with little stories that paint a portrait of the generous and humorous artist so many people called their best friend.

The documentary is completed with views of David at the end of his life, the poetry, the cancer, the memories of his closest friends, and finally, what people think David’s legacy will be.

And the music?
Composed and performed by David’s long-time friend, composer, musician and photographer, Dickie Tilton, of course!

I am striving to make this movie personal, yet appealing to those who never met David. It is a story about something rare nowadays: How one individual CAN make a positive impact; how one artist created a culturally rich and loving community. 

I hope it will inspire others to find a way to enrich their own environment, wherever they may live. And by the way, I have gotten letters from people in Hawaii, in New Brunswick, Colorado, North Carolina, and even from Portugal!

What’s Next?

More funding to cover the work yet to be completed, for printing, traveling, food for events, and equipment such as back-up drives. In addition to asking individuals, I’ll be approaching businesses for sponsorships.  Space for recognition on the poster is limited, so if you know someone who would be interested, please contact me by May 31.

Volunteers will be needed in late July and early August to distribute posters to Mt. Washington Valley businesses willing to display them in windows, on billboards, and other prominent places throughout the area.

In addition, volunteers will be needed to accept admission fees at the events, and attend to details at each of the event venues. I live three hours away and may not be on hand to take care of all the essential duties required.  Marketing suggestions for distribution of the DVD when finished are also welcome.

Wish you had a Baker work of art but can’t afford one? 


Art is available to those volunteers who really pitch in. I am most grateful for any donations, small or large, and for any helpers! This is going to be an awesome September. So much is happening in the Valley. I hope you will be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime community tribute.

BAKER LEGACY UPDATE March 21, 2012

www.bakerlegacy.com has been updated! Check out the events, new notes, volunteers needed, sponsorship info for your business, and how to donate.

New email: Judy@bakerlegacy.com

Call 978-212-2345 for more information and to offer suggestions or assistance.

New Blog!  

Please join us at davidbakerlegacy.blogspot.com.
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