Troika Gallery Owner/Portrait Artist Laura Era stopped by the Talbot County Free Library on Wednesday to unveil her new Anna Murray Douglass portrait that she has given to the Easton branch.
Anna Murray Douglass was the first wife of Frederick Douglass, helped him escape slavery, and supported his work as an abolitionist for over 44 years. Era also painted and donated a portrait of Frederick Douglass to the library as a part of last year’s Frederick Douglass Day.
Troika Gallery Owner/Portrait Artist Laura Era (Left) stopped by the Talbot County Free Library on Wednesday to unveil her new Anna Murray Douglass portrait that she has given to the Easton branch.
For her newest portrait, Era discovered inspiration from a black and white photograph of Anna Murray Douglass, which she described as being a perfect complement to her portrait of Frederick Douglass. Although the photograph was in black and white, Era found this to be an opportunity to create a unique portrait using colors like teal, blue and gray.
“I was truly honored to paint both of these extremely notable Americans, and we thought it was so appropriate that he needed his first wife to join him in the Frederick Douglass room,” said Era. “I found out when reading about Anna, that she was extremely important to him and his success. She represents a foundation and backbone to Frederick.”
Laura Era discovered inspiration from a black and white photograph of Anna Murray Douglass, and found this to be an opportunity to create a unique portrait using colors like teal, blue and gray.
Era knew she wanted to create a portrait that truly represents history tying into the roots of the Tri-county area. She started the portrait in April and managed to complete it by early September, in time for Frederick Douglass Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 25.
The Frederick Douglass Honor Society, in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, The Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and other partners will hold a virtual celebration on that day to honor Frederick Douglass. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Era unveiling the Anna Murray Douglass portrait at 11 a.m.
“I would like to thank Laura Era for this wonderful portrait that serves as a reminder to all that will see it at the Easton library of everything Anna Murray Douglass did, from helping Frederick Douglass to escape from slavery to the support she gave his abolitionist work throughout her life,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman.
About Talbot County Free Library
The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location. It holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.
Mary Hunt-Miller says
Thank you Laura Era of Troika Gallery and TCFL and Dana Newman for this beautiful painting and your leadership regarding celebrating both women and diversity.