Artist Ted Fullerton exudes a friendly air of whimsy, with circular specs framing warm eyes under a grand shock of lustrous ivory hair. The man also radiates the brand of quiet confidence reserved for those revered in their field.

The nationally- and internationally-acclaimed multidisciplinary artist is additionally generous. That’s evidenced in his donation of a spectacular gift to the Town of Newmarket’s arts and culture scene.

Fullerton has bestowed a limited number of original lithograph prints entitled Sun Rise to the town to sell at a discounted price. The gallery programs at Newmarket Old Town Hall will receive 100 per cent of print sales. The one-of-a-kind original prints are hand-printed, signed and have a market value of $1,800 per print unframed. In time for the holidays, art lovers and astute collectors can buy the exquisite work for $475 plus tax.

The benevolence is a way to pay homage to his former art teacher, mentor and notable Newmarket resident Frederick Hagan (1918-2003), explained Fullerton. The two met when Hagan instructed Fullerton in printmaking at the Ontario College of Art. The two bonded over their passion for art and shared belief in the purpose of community galleries as being the hub and heartbeat of a vibrant local art scene.

“He was very supportive of my cultural involvement,” said Fullerton whose home and studio is in Tottenham. “In the 1980s I was on the board at the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie. I asked Fred if he would donate a print for a fundraising initiative. He said yes and it was great success for the gallery.

“Fred always dreamed of an art gallery within Newmarket, and while he wasn’t here to see it become reality, in his honour I’m paying his kind gesture forward to the community he called home.”

Fullerton, whose paintings and large scale sculptures were showcased this summer at the Old Town Hall and its Serpa Gallery, decided his lithographic print should feature the iconic sunflower.

“The sunflower has been explored by artists throughout time,” he said. “It has a strange mythological beauty. At sunrise the head of the bloom follows the sun across the sky. The shadows are always behind. It always has an optimistic perspective.”

Celebrated for his elegant painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture, Fullerton’s work is exhibited globally and is displayed in numerous private and public collections. Three of his sculptures stand as welcoming sentries outside Old Town Hall.

Creating Sun Rise was true labour of love for Fullerton whose award-ladened career spans 45 years.