PARIS – From the time she was a young girl, Paula Prentiss Kurtz (1936-2013) had a deep attachment to the historic hills, gardens, properties and people of Paris.
They were the main inspirations for her photography, second only to her beloved animals.
 
The organizers of the Moore Park Art Show announced that her work will be featured on the 2016 limited print poster.

Each year, the artwork of Paris is featured on the posters distributed to over 100 locations in Western Maine.

This year’s show is July  31. Rain date is Aug. 6.

 “It is not only for the beauty and talent of her work that Mrs. Kurtz was chosen as the 2016 poster artist,” art show Director Aranka Matolcsy said, “but also for the quality of her spirit and the depth of her impact on her hometown.”

 Polly, as she was known to friends, graduated from Waynflete School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Art History from Skidmore College in 1958.
 
After she married Ted Kurtz in 1964, they raised their children where she spent the rest of her life: in her grandmother’s home on Paris Hill, surrounded by lush perennial gardens and filled with her animals, many of them rescued. 
 
As she explained during her life, having “learned to see” at Skidmore, her most satisfying hobby was photography. She saw not only with her eyes, but with her heart, and thus was particularly gifted at capturing her special vision to share with others.
 
Throughout her life, Kurtz cared deeply for others. Her most concentrated volunteer efforts were spent tirelessly defending the rights of animals through lobbying and legislation, as well as providing havens for animals in distress. She was instrumental in the creation of the first Department of Animal Welfare in Maine government. She was instrumental in the creation of the expansive bear enclosure at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray which provided rescued bears the opportunity to live in comfort while allowing visitors to witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
 
Kurtz very notably worked in partnership with other dedicated animal lovers to establish Responsible Pet Care, which was established in Norway and moved to Paris.
 
The show is sponsored by the Paris Parks and Recreation Committee. Artists and artisans may apply for a 10- by 10-foot booth spot at www.mooreparkartshow.biz. Booth fees are $65 for one exhibitor in one booth or $40 each for multiple artists. For more information contact Matolcsy at 207-890-6386.

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