This article describes how the students in Maine greatly benefited from the original artworks donated by the famous artist William Thon. Thon was a 20th century artist celebrated in Maine for his paintings of coastal landscapes, turbulent seascapes, sailboats, and fishing boats. Thon, who was widowed, childless, and blind, has left his considerable estate to Portland Museum of Art. Along with endowing a bienniel exhibition of Maine art and a curator's position, Thon's $4 million bequest included the provision that much of his work be donated to Maine schools. Now, Thon's original artworks are displayed in schools such as Harrison Lyseth School, where they serve as inspiration for students, who see in the original artwork textures and other details that get lost in reproduction.