[Editor’s Note: The Walpolean may occasionally publish obituaries and other personal news. Unfortunately, time does not permit me to seek out this information on a regular basis, so I must rely on reader submissions for this type of post. Thank you. – Kelli]

From Art Anderson’s step-daughter, Laura Honey:

Arthur “Art” Anderson, 85, passed away on May 6, 2025 at Cheshire Medical Center, surrounded by family. Art was a well know folk artist at many local crafts fairs, and a proud member of the League of NH Craftsmen.

While he grew up in Hopkinton, MA, he was a longtime resident of Walpole and Marlow, NH, where he enjoyed gardening, working on his whimsical creations in his New England Folk Art workshop, long walks, and spending time with his family.

In 1999, Art proudly represented NH at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington, DC, and Celebrate NH in 2000. His work has been shown in art galleries nationwide, and at the annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair in Sunapee, NH. Art spoke to school classes about his craft, demonstrated woodworking at League headquarters in Concord, and around the state, and operated the “kid’s” tent at the Craftsmen’s Fair where he cut out simple animals for the children to take home with them. Art had many good friends in Marlow and around New England, especially his next-door neighbor, John Thayer, who was always there to lend a helping hand.

Art is survived by his wife, Pat, of Marlow. His children, Pam Varnum, David (Nancy) Anderson, Daniel (Lisa) Anderson, and Polly (Eric) Rawlings. His stepdaughters, Kathy (Dave) Rice and Laura (Darren) Honey. He loved spending time with his grandchildren: Evelyn, Isabelle, and Avery Honey; Sarah and James Rice; Kayden and Jacob Anderson; Devon Erskin; Kayla Anderson. Art also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank everyone at the Walpole Clinic and at Cheshire Medical Center for their care of Art, and the kindness shown to family members during his short illness.

The Cremation Society of NH is in charge of arrangements; a celebration of life will be held at a later time, at the convenience of family.

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