After the library’s opening in November 1997, Nancy discovered a pair of young artists through a conversation with local resident, Mary Conway.  Mary’s daughter, Anna and colleague, John Hodany had created several murals in local area homes. Nancy expressed a strong interest so Mary introduced their work by showing a notebook of samples to Nancy who became extremely impressed.

Nancy then approached the Friends with the idea of funding this enterprise. They were very enthusiastic since a gift to the children's area was already in discussion. With the Friends’ financial support, Nancy contacted Anna and John to ask if they would be interested in producing various sketches and ideas for the space.  Conway and Hodany agreed combining their artistic talents while researching historical and seacoast facts associated with Duxbury Bay. When the artists revealed to Nancy the current mural theme and presented their concept, the decision was simple as to who would build the structure. “I was ecstatic!  It was fun, whimsical, educational, and would have intergenerational appeal.  The Friends were equally pleased with the conceptual drawings and accepted Anna and John's cost proposal” said Denman.  Artist, Anna Conway expressed “We were struck by the wonderful opportunity the Friends of the Duxbury Library had given us to create an environment with paint and canvas that would energize this public space.   

The mural was created in New York on canvas which would be rolled for transport purposes to Duxbury where it was applied to the wall by an expert wallpaper hanger. This method was highly recommended since the painting could be removed should the wall need any repairs and avoid possible damage to the painting.

On Sunday, March 22, 1998 the Duxbury Bay Mural was unveiled as an opened book displaying various sea and land illustrations.  The 880-ton ship Hope, built in Duxbury by Weston is featured as well as a distant Standish Monument.  Conway depicts whimsical scenes with clever book titles including a “headmaster” fish reading School of Fish to an attentive group while squirrels below refer to Dig to China.  You’ll observe a cat at the end of the dock gazing into the bay with Famous Friendship Between Fin & Fur and birds hovering over a seagull while it reads The Birds and the Bees.  By basing a mural on Duxbury’s landscape and seascape, we could harness the inherent power and unique beauty of this place.  We hoped the inclusion of nature within the building would give the space a tranquil yet exciting mood” said Conway.  “The mural has stood the test of time and continues to attract viewers of all ages. For me, it remains the exquisite result of a supremely serendipitous conversation” said Denman.