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11/07/2017 11:00 PM

VRHS Student Art Commission Brightens Deep River Salon


Valley Regional High School junior Carolyn Raymond (left) was commissioned to create this painting by Flo Zaremba (right), the owner of A Fresh Image salon, which was formerly owned and operated by the late Pat Rankin as the Beauty Barn.Photo by Michelle Naranjo/The Courier

When Flo Zaremba renovated A Fresh Image earlier this year after she purchased the former Beauty Barn from the estate of her friend, Pat Rankin, she was careful to ensure that a large photograph of Rankin holds a special spot on one wall as a memorial from her long-time employees and friends. There was still one large wall that was blank, however, and Zaremba felt that it needed something special.

That is where Valley Regional High School junior Carolyn Raymond comes in. Raymond is the talented and artistic daughter of friends and clients of the salon. Zaremba commissioned Raymond to create a large canvas painting of her design to fill the void.

“I looked at commercial pieces that I could put there, but I wanted something unique,” said Zaremba.

Raymond is 16 and has hopes of becoming an art teacher. She worked closely with Zaremba, combing through beauty magazines for inspiration. The result is a bright assembly of women of all colors and hairstyles intended to reflect the diversity and beauty of the community.

The reception has been positive, both for the art and for the process that got it there.

“I love stories where someone supports young people’s aspirations, and I think Flo is to be commended,” said A Fresh Image client Helen Charov.

A Fresh Image is at 171-A Main Street, Deep River, behind Compass Rose.