Darlington artist John Sauers honored as Harford Living Treasure

On Wednesdays, the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air hosts a weekly artists’ gathering where local artists of varying styles and types gather to talk about and critique their work and just enjoy some time together.

One of those gatherings in mid-June was a little extra special for one artist in the group. Darlington artist John Sauers was honored with a Harford County Living Treasure proclamation by county councilman Chad Shrodes.

The presentation had been kept a secret from Sauers. He and a group of about 20 friends and family were seated around a room at the mansion, chatting about the various paintings and other artwork placed around the room for the normal Wednesday critique session. As the session was beginning to wind down, Councilman Shrodes arrived and presented him with the proclamation.

Posing for a few photos and sharing a few laughs,. Sauers repeatedly stated to his friends gathered in the room speaking that “they were all his treasures” and he was happy they were there to share in the moment. With some of his favorite paintings serving as perfect backdrops, he proudly displayed his proclamation while posing for photos and selfies with friends.

Harford County artist John Sauers was honored as a Harford Living Treasure during a recent artist gathering at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Matt Button / The Aegis/Baltimore Sun Media)

Liriodendron manager Leslie Dohler, left, proudly displays one of her original paintings done by artist John Sauers, left, as the pair pose for a few photos after Sauers was honored as a Harford Living Treasure at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Matt Button / The Aegis/Baltimore Sun Media)

Harford County Councilman Chad Shrodes, right, congratulates friend John Sauers after presenting him with a proclamation honoring Sauers as a Harford Living Treasure at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Matt Button / The Aegis/Baltimore Sun Media)

Beloved local artist John Sauers, center, is surrounded by friends, from left, Ellie Tryon-Elgin, Jonathon West, and Jackie Sheets, as Sauers shows off his proclamation after being honored as a Harford Living Treasure at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Matt Button / The Aegis/Baltimore Sun Media)

Beloved local artist John Sauers, left, talks with fellow artist and friend Ellie Tryon-Elgin about a few of her portriats during a recent artist gathering where Sauers was honored as a Harford Living Treasure at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Matt Button / The Aegis/Baltimore Sun Media)

One of local artist John Sauers' favorite plein air paintings of a cloudfilled sky over a field in Darlington was among the several pieces on display during the artist gathering where Sauers was honored as a Harford Living Treasure at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Matt Button / The Aegis/Baltimore Sun Media)

One of local artist John Sauers' favorite plein air paintings of a small stream flowing through a winter woodland scene in Bel air was among the several pieces on display during the artist gathering where Sauers was honored as a Harford Living Treasure at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Matt Button / The Aegis/Baltimore Sun Media)