For many people right now, things look bleak. But the other day, a seemingly small act of generosity made a huge difference to our local high school students.

Longtime Leverett artist Rhoda Juels died unexpectedly in December, leaving behind her husband, Ronald, two adult children (ARHS alums), and a large body of artwork. Ron quickly moved to be closer to family and, as their daughter Dara prepared to put the house on the market, there arose the question: “What to do with this creative couple’s possessions?”

Dara contacted ARHS art teacher Hannah Hartl and asked if she might be interested in Ron’s photography equipment, oil painting supplies, watercolor paper, and easels. And how about Rhoda’s many fiber arts supplies and beads?

When Hannah and fellow teachers came to the house, they said that this donation, alone, would actually change their curriculum as they would now be able to offer students opportunities that recent budget cuts had made impossible.

And the good news continues! The Juels family is also offering over 200 pieces of Rhoda’s artwork to the community, free of charge, at an Open House Celebration of Life and Art on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5, from noon to 5 p.m. at 20 Lawton Road, Leverett. Art appreciators are welcome to come and take whatever speaks to them. For more information, please contact djuels@gmail.com.

Janet Kaplan-Bucciarelli

Amherst