Label
Ellen Bonar Wilt
b. 1921
Flotsom
c. 1985 watercolor on paper
Notes: As a person very concerned about controversy regarding water resources, Ellen set out to create a monumental statement about protecting Michigan's greatest natural wonder, Lake Michigan. Ellen worked with the OxBow Outreach program in Saugatuck. In this painting, she uses a symbol, the chair, that is recognizable to those connected with the Summer School of Painting. She alludes to the fact that people (the chairs) are being "washed away". Wilt fears that the water is not being protected for people. The "turned away" chair seems to represent ambivalence on the part of some. Wilt considers this piece to be one of her masterpieces. The large watercolor was created in Saugatuck. It was Ellen's wish that it remain with the people and place she loved so much.
Ellen's Grandfather was the well-known Pennsylvania artist, James Bonar.
Ellen's husband, Richard Wilt, taught at the Ox-Bow Summer School of Art in Saugatuck during the summer of 1947. Ellen accompanied him. The couple made their home in Ann Arbor; he taught art at the University of Michigan, and she taught art at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. After Richard's death, Ellen became a part-time resident of Saugatuck, maintaining a studio on Spear Street.
Collection: Saugatuck Douglas History Center
Gift of: Ellen Bonar Wilt (In memory of Richard Wilt)Label
Ellen Bonar Wilt
1921-2020
Flotsam
1985 | watercolor and gouache on paper
This large watercolor painting suggests dark brooding over metaphysical themes. Yet Wilt was a playful and prolific artist, educator, and supporter of social causes who loved to organize and curate community art projects.
After retirement from teaching at Eastern Michigan University, Wilt lived in Ann Arbor and from 1984 to 1994 she kept a second studio at 450 Spear Street in Saugatuck. Flotsam was painted at the Saugatuck studio.
According to friend Ted Reyda, Wilt often used furniture, especially chairs, to represent people in her work.
Collection: Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
Gift of: Ellen Wilt
Accession: 2012.16
