AUBURN – Dolores St. Pierre, 68, of Auburn, spent approximately 153 hours to create “Veranda Garden.” She pruned, pulled and replanted, yet she used no gloves, no pruners and no loam. All she used was a sponge and a brush – and lots and lots of paint. The result? A 477-square-foot mural that gives the feel of sitting on a veranda overlooking an English garden while having lunch or afternoon tea.

According to Dan St. Pierre, owner of the Book Burrow and son of Dolores, “The mural evokes a sense of peaceful living – serenity surrounded by the warmth and charm of great books. It’s a place to escape, a place to leave the chaotic world behind and recapture a moment of bliss.”

The unveiling of the three-wall mural painted at the Book Burrow and Caf kicked off a collaboration between Andrew Harris, director of L-A Arts, and Laurie and Dan St. Pierre, owners of the bookstore, to offer performing and visual artists a free space to showcase their talent in a retail setting.

Congressman Michael Michaud congratulated St. Pierre while helping her cut the ribbon.

“The St. Pierres are offering local artists free space to display and sell their work,” said Harris. “They have arranged several spaces throughout the bookstore for visual artists to hang and display their artwork, and have dedicated floor space on which performing artists can entertain.”

An art wall displays many of St. Pierre’s paintings in several mediums, including reverse painting on glass, oil, water color, pastels and pen and ink. Another wall displays prints and fish mounts by David Footer, a local artist and taxidermist renowned throughout the country for his carvings.

Photographs by Dick Hurd are displayed throughout the store. St. Pierre will organize future art displays by other artists, including a children’s art display in October. St. Pierre encourages performing artists to register for performance times soon, as there is a limited number of slots available. For more information call the Book Burrow at 344-6090.