Library exhibits painting by Benjamin Soep

  The Malden Public Library is proud to exhibit the artwork “Walk a Mile for A Camel,” a painting by Malden artist Benjamin “Ben” Soep (1925-2015). Soep, founder of Soep Painting Corporation, started a painting company in Malden in 1945. His grandson Matt Soep explained, “He started it by himself with no money in his pocket, just a can of paint.”

  Before entering into the painting business, Benjamin trained as an artist at Vesper George School of Art in Boston. The school was named for Malden painter Vesper Lincoln George (1865-1934), an outspoken advocate for arts education. To complement his art projects, Ben also worked on refinishing fine furniture and finishing projects.

  In 1959 the Soep Painting Corporation was honored with a contract for the restoration of the Louis XV interior of Boston’s Colonial Theatre. The sculpting of the theatre’s moldings and the painting of the ceiling murals were tasks that required Ben’s artistic capabilities.

  Ben was the devoted husband of the late Miriam (Goldberg) Soep.

  The work is on loan from Howard and Maxine Soep and will be on display in the Ryder Gallery through the summer and fall. It and many other wonderful works of art can be viewed during open gallery hours on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. For more information or to schedule an art tour, please call the Library at 781-324-0218.