Bradbury Art and Antiques co-owner Julee Ketelhut made “Big Al” Cohen an offer that was impossible to refuse. Ketelhut offered to make a donation to Help Yourself Shelf food pantry, if he donated fireworks to Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest. Cohen has been a food pantry volunteer for years so Ketelhut knew how to approach him for his contribution. Ketelhut is also a Wiscasset Creative Alliance board member. The group was planning the annual Marketfest set for Dec. 2-4 when the topic of fireworks came up.

“Al was such a warm and welcoming figure when we moved here, so I told the group I’d give him a call, and he thought it was a great idea,” she said. 

Ketelhut and her husband, Brad Ketelhut, are donating a painting by St. Louis plein art painter Frederick Conway. The painting is of a New England harbor and is unsigned. “The painting is of a nice New England harbor scene so I think it will have great appeal. Frederick Conway spent a lot of time in New England, and I think it’s the perfect piece to raffle,” she said. 

Cohen credits Julee Ketelhut for seeking his contribution. “You are looking at the person who got me involved,” Cohen said pointing to her. “I’ve worked at the pantry for years. This is something I deeply care about, and I’m glad to be involved with the raffle.”

The oil painting is 22.75 inches by 26.75 inches. Tickets are $5 apiece or five for $20. Tickets are available at Bradbury Art and Antiques at 60 Main St. in Wiscasset and Big Al’s Fireworks at 300 Bath Road in Wiscasset. The Ketelhuts will host the drawing at 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at their shop. Julee Ketelhut said the public is welcome to attend.