Step into the evocative world of "Causeway," an original painting by Frances Sumner Merritt—a work that is as much a journey through landscape as it is a reflection on the artist’s remarkable life and vision.

"Causeway" captures a quiet stretch of road bridging land and water, its surface dappled with delicate washes of color and etched with expressive lines. The painting’s tranquil palette and subtle textures evoke the misty, contemplative atmosphere of coastal Maine, a region that deeply inspired Merritt throughout his career. The telephone poles standing sentinel along the causeway hint at human presence and connection, while the winding road invites viewers to imagine their own passage through this serene landscape.

This piece is not just a depiction of place—it is a meditation on transition, connection, and the quiet power of nature. The interplay of sky, land, and water in "Causeway" mirrors the artist’s lifelong commitment to bridging worlds: between craft and fine art, tradition and innovation, solitude and community.

Frances Sumner Merritt (1913–2000) was more than a painter—he was a visionary educator and a pivotal figure in American art. Born in Massachusetts and trained at renowned institutions including Yale, Merritt’s career spanned teaching, arts administration, and studio practice. He was the founding director of the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine, where he fostered creativity and collaboration among artists from around the world. Merritt’s leadership transformed Haystack into a beacon of artistic exchange, and his gentle, supportive spirit touched countless lives.

His own artwork, like "Causeway," reflects this ethos: a blend of technical mastery and quiet introspection, rooted in the landscapes he called home. Merritt’s paintings and prints have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and his legacy endures in the collections of major museums and in the vibrant community of artists he helped shape.

Owning "Causeway" means more than acquiring a beautiful painting—it is an invitation to join the ongoing story of Frances Sumner Merritt: a story of artistry, innovation, and the enduring beauty of Maine’s landscapes. Let this evocative work inspire reflection and connection in your own space, just as Merritt inspired generations of artists to expand their horizons and embrace the journey.

Merritt's work was represented in numerous national and international exhibitions throughout his life, including shows at the Corcoran Gallery, the Portland Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.