Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Arrival in Sleigh at Church" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canada 15c Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel 1980 stamp issued October 22, 1980. In December, when skies hang low and the winter-locked world lies waiting for a break from despair, then falls the first snow. Softly, silently it falls, creating a sparkling wonderland where outlines were bleak and colors dull. As the snow veils the smut of a city or draws its soft blanket over country fences and frozen lakes, the landscape's defects all disappear. Then, the trees seem to burst into new bloom as the clean, white snow softly descends over their branches. Winter berries soon stand out in bright red against the white, and sundowns glow in rose hues with shadows of purple-blue. When the sun shines, a million diamonds seem to dance across the hills. The first snow -- like no other -- comes as welcome as the first of spring, all crisp and full of sparkle. As the snow falls, it lifts spirits high. Children eagerly watch from their windows as the crystal blanket thickens, dreaming of snowball fights, sleigh rides, and the rapture of sledding down snow-covered hills. Indeed, all the world regards winter's first snow with pure delight. For this reason snow scenes have long been favorite Christmas card fare. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B06719)