In the heart of Ponderay, Idaho, near the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Anderson's Autobody has been a pillar of craftsmanship and community since 1989. Among its unique features are the stunning vintage car and truck oil paintings adorning the front office, all locally crafted by Dick Deam, a former resident and customer whose artistic contributions have become an integral part of the shop's history.
The story begins back in the 1990's when Dick entrusted his beloved 1946 Hudson truck to Anderson’s for professional restoration and painting. Instead of a traditional payment, Dick offered a mix of two original paintings and cash - which turned out be a detailed rendition of Bob Anderson's 1935 Ford truck and Dick's own 1946 Hudson. This exchange not only resulted in a beautifully restored truck but also marked the beginning of a lasting artistic collaboration.
One significant milestone in Dick's journey was when his Hudson truck painting won a best-in-class award in Coeur d'Alene, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled artist capturing the essence of automotive heritage. Additionally, Dick introduced six limited edition prints from his series at the Lost in the 50's Car Show celebration in Bonner County. By the way, the 37th annual Car Show will take place May 18-19, 2024. Carolyn Gleason started the cool event in 1986 to honor her love of music and to bring artists from that era to the Bonner County Fairgrounds.
But we digress.
Over the last 25 years, Dick's paintings became iconic symbols at Anderson's Autobody, sparking conversations among customers who often inquire about their origins. The paintings serve as a bridge between past memories and present appreciation for craftsmanship and creativity.
As the years passed, Dick's life took him to various places. In 2000, he moved to Boise for a full-time position in the Idaho Army National Guard, and later, he and his wife Judy spent four years in Baja before retiring on the serene Oregon Coast. There, Dick transitioned from painting vintage cars to capturing the vibrant marine life that surrounded him as you can see in this recent photo.
Recently, Dick texted us after noticing newer employees posing in front of his timeless prints on the shop's website - including Brandy, Hillari, Lexie and Kim. This heartwarming sight brought back fond memories of his time in Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain where he worked for 15 years.
One of his recent works features a nostalgic Volkswagen at Seal Rock, Oregon, but Dick admits he is most captivated by whales, saltwater fish, and the seals themselves – each piece reflecting the beauty and serenity of his coastal surroundings.
Dick's artistic journey reflects the deep bonds between creativity and community, and life transitions from vintage cars to vibrant marine life as we move to the next phase of life.
We are proud to keep displaying local art that connects the past to the present as Anderson’s Autobody celebrates 35 years in business this year.