History
The Bedford Arts and Crafts Society (BACS) began in the spring of 1956 when local residents Margaret Whitley, Lucia Kespert, and John Dodge gathered together for the pleasure of painting and sharing knowledge.
LUCIA KESPERT graduated from the Vesper George Art School, attended the DeCordova Museum School, and painted under the direction of King Coffin. Lucia worked at Liberty Mutual as a desk engineer—really an art consultant. She and her friend Peg Whitley met John Dodge and discussed their interest in art. The three began meeting in Peg’s basement once a week for painting and, over time, launched the Bedford Arts and Crafts Society. In addition to being active in BACS, Lucia taught decorative arts in her home for many years
MARGARET (PEG) WHITLEY studied at Massachusetts College of Art and painted in oil and, later, watercolor. A Bedford resident beginning in the 1950s, she traveled and painted landscapes and gave lessons that sparked interest in young people who were inspired by her work. In her later years she continued to instruct people in her craft. She made it possible for people to buy her artwork according to their budget. Hers was truly a lifetime committed to the arts.
JOHN DODGE was an artist, illustrator, and art dealer. He specialized in the hand coloring of photographic reproductions. A lifelong resident of Bedford, he attended the New England School of Art and upon graduation worked for Raytheon Corporation as an illustrator, where he learned the art of airbrushing. He subsequently worked full-time in art. His hand-color reproductions are hanging in well-known places such as the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, the Palmer House in Chicago, and the Seaport Hotel in Boston.