WG Sutter

Sculpture collectors take note! A highly intricate and poignant work of art will be available in May, 2017 through a special on-line auction. Legacy will feature five individual carvings – a hen, a drake and three ducklings – meticulously created and carved by two of the carving world’s most prominent master artists. The name of this sculpture, Legacy, takes on particular poignancy for it is the last piece of artwork to be created by Master Carver WG Sutter, a renowned artist of Trappe.

This masterpiece was created by Mr. Sutter to benefit CASA of the Mid-Shore. He began work on it this past July, and Legacy was not yet completed at Mr. Sutter’s untimely passing in October. In the spirit of giving that so defined him, Mr. Sutter’s wife Nancy quickly called on Glenn McMurdo, a friend and mentor, to finish this important work of art. Mr. McMurdo, a world-class sculptor and Master Class Carver from Canada graciously agreed to complete the work of art.

“WG felt strongly about these carvings and about CASA,” says Mr. Sutter’s wife, Nancy. “I feel that having Glenn finish the sculpture on WG’s behalf will be the best way to honor WG’s last work and his passion for helping vulnerable children. His art and his philanthropy are the heart and soul of his Legacy.” Known for his amazing talent as well as for the fact that he never sold his gorgeous sculptures, Mr. Sutter periodically donated a special work of art to help raise money for a local charity. This year, CASA of the Mid-Shore was the lucky beneficiary of Mr. Sutter’s generosity.

“WG was one of the most talented carvers I have ever met,” says Patricia Spitaleri, CASA board member and CASA’s 2017 fundraiser co-chair. “We were so honored that he selected CASA as a recipient of his art. WG’s creative and whimsical focus on a family of ducks is such a heartfelt nod to the results that CASA strives to achieve for children of the Mid Shore. WG was a true champion for CASA and for the children we serve.”

Mr. McMurdo comes into the project with about 40 percent of the piece already completed. Well known for creating works of art with amazingly life-like characteristics, Mr. McMurdo will focus his efforts on the finer details of each of the five pieces that Mr. Sutter began. “This will be a time-consuming and challenging project,” says Mr. McMurdo, “but I do it happily to honor WG’s memory and to help sustain his Legacy. He was a talented artist, but even more, a generous man.”

Glenn McMurdo

Legacy will be marketed on-line to local collectors, as well as to those across the country prior to and after Havana Nights, CASA’s new themed fundraising event on May 20, 2017. Information about the auction for Legacy and Havana Nights will be available soon at www.casamidshore.org, where interested folks can complete the on-line form to be kept up-to-date with information about the Legacy auction.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the Mid-shore is a private, nonprofit organization that advocates for children who are under the protection of the Circuit Courts in Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Kent counties due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

In addition to their important direct work with children, as officers of the court, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) provide judges with crucial information necessary to ensure that every child’s rights, needs and best interests are being met. “We are indebted to WG, his wife Nancy, and to Glenn and Katharine McMurdo,” says CASA Executive Director Robin Davenport. “This unique masterpiece, resulting from a most poignant collaboration, is a true legacy to the children served by our organization.”