Bula presents work of artist Joseph Dawley

Newton - Bula Restaurant, at 134 Spring St., Newton, will present the work of Joseph Dawley, renowned artist, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Born in Nashville, Ark.,in 1936, Dawley is represented in many fine collections across the U.S. and Canada, and in museums throughout the country. Dawley spent most of his childhood in Dallas, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Art degree from SMU. He and his wife, Gloria, moved to N.J. in 1961. Dawley painted masterfully in realistic style and won many awards in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including the Collins Portrait Award, the Salmagundi Award and the Jane Peterson Portrait Award. His traditional style was represented in one-man shows in N.J., Washington D.C., Manhattan, Dallas, Palm Beach and Canada. He was commissioned to paint the official portraits of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, which were unveiled at the Vatican during her canonization ceremonies. It was during this time that Dawley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In 1982, the symptoms of Parkinson’s had progressed to the point that he could hardly work. He underwent brain surgery in hopes of being able to continue painting. It worked, but he was unable to continue in his traditional Renaissance style, so he started painting impressionistically. The impressionism was hugely accepted and hangs in many prestigious collections throughout the world, including the White House. In 1994, Dawley’s was commissioned to paint the official Christmas Card for the White House. He submitted two paintings for this purpose, both of which still hang in the White House today. In 1996, Dawley’s painting, “June Sunset Over the Potomac,” was requested by President Clinton to be in the White House on permanent loan. This is a rare honor granted to a living artist. The Boyles said they met Dawley and his wife, Gloria, through Kevin Schulte, one of their regular customers, who works with Dawley. Gloria Dawley will be present the evening of the art opening. Dinner will be available at Bula during the opening. For information, call 973-579-7338.