Renowned artist Charlie Hewitt gives his cousin, Joan Morin a kiss on the forehead Thursday night at the lighting of his newest piece of art he titled “Beauté Française” — or, “French beauty.” Many of his family members, dignitaries and employees of Neokraft Signs who made the piece of art, joined several dozen community members during a brief ceremony where the sign was lit. Hewitt talked about how the sign is on the site of the neighborhood where he grew up that has been transformed into Anniversary Park on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Auburn. This latest piece honors the region’s French heritage and is dedicated to all the women in his life who had a profound influence on him. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Renowned artist Charlie Hewitt is surrounded by family members Thursday night at the lighting of his newest piece of art he titled “Beauté Française” — or, “French beauty.” Many of his family members, dignitaries and employees of Neokraft Signs who made the piece of art, joined several dozen community members during a brief ceremony where the sign was lit. Hewitt talked about how the sign is on the site of the neighborhood where he grew up that has been transformed into Anniversary Park on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Auburn. This latest piece honors the region’s French heritage and is dedicated to all the women in his life who had a profound influence on him. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal