Name/Title
Patterson, Claude A. (1887-1973) "Orioles"Entry/Object ID
2025.900.FA18233Tags
WatercolorDescription
This group of individuals from the blackbird family each perches on a distinct branch, looking in a different direction, and in physical space likely at some distance from the others. Yet Patterson telescopes his composition so as to render them tightly clustered together. The birds are framed by the branches and flowers of what is apparently a cherry tree, blossoming in early spring to perhaps welcome them back.Collection
Mt. Morris TB Hospital FAP CollectionMade/Created
Artist
Patterson, Claude A.Date made
1937Condition
Overall Condition
FairDate Examined
Jul 30, 2025Notes
3 scratches 1 across top bird/2 lower right, stains and pencil marks throughout/lower bird/lower center cherry petalRecommendations
needs frame, mat, glassProvenance
Provenance Detail
Created under the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project (1930s–1940s), this collection of easel paintings was originally installed at the Mount Morris Tuberculosis Sanitorium in Livingston County, New York. Following the sanitorium’s closure in 1970, the artworks were abandoned and remained in storage until their rediscovery decades later. Now preserved and exhibited by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA), the collection is housed at the New Deal Museum in Mount Morris. Current efforts include digitization, high-resolution photography, and the creation of an online archive to ensure long-term public access and research availability.General Notes
Note Type
Cataloging NoteNote
See the entry titled 'New Deal Collection Documents' for supporting documents, and general historic and research information.
