Selections from the Archive features some of the exceptional paintings, drawings and sculpture found in the Yager Museum fine arts collection. The collection’s strength is in Italian art from the 16th-18th centuries and American art of the 19th century and early 20th century—particularly images from the Hudson River School. Some of the most notable works included in this exhibit are by Childe Hassam, John Twachtman, Homer D. Martin, Rockwell Kent, Alexander Calder and Robert Rauschenberg
The Fine Arts Collection at Hartwick College dates from the 1950s when John Kenneth and Dorothy Byard of Connecticut donated sixty prints and oil paintings. The collection was then expanded in 1960 when the College received a major gift of 116 works from the estate of Louis van Ess. Van Ess was the rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta from 1940-60 and also taught history at Hartwick College on a part-time basis. In 1971, the College received an additional contribution of paintings from Arthur M. Merritt, a New York City art collector and dentist. Since that time other works have been donated to the collection and, on occasion, Hartwick College has also purchased images. Most recently, Dr. and Mrs. James and Elting of Oneonta, N.Y. have donated a major work by the contemporary artist Robert Rauschenberg.
The exhibition opens on June 23 and runs through July 13, 2000. A reception will be held on September 24, 1999, from 5-7 in the Van Ess gallery.
Fiona M. Dejardin
Curator of the Fine Arts Collection
