Several weeks ago, I ran into local musician Bill McDonald in the parking lot at Tops, and as it usually does, our conversation ranged from music to all things local. He asked me if I had ever seen the paintings of old Downtown Batavia in the Genesee County Nursing Home. I didn't even know about them.
So yesterday, since I needed to stop by the nursing home anyway, I decided to make a special point of seeking out the paintings and taking a couple of pictures.
The paintings are truly stunning and great art. I'm sure they would be especially appreciated by anybody who remembers Batavia as it once was.
They are the work Patricia Burr, an artist from Elba.
I believe there are eight panels total (forgot to take an exact count). Above is a detail of one panel and two more panels below.
I'm not sure how the staff at the home would feel about a bunch of people showing up to gaze at the paintings, but they are worth the trip.
Now those are really, really
Now those are really, really cool. Never knew about these. Thanks Howard. Talented lady indeed.
Pat Burr is a mentor, a
Pat Burr is a mentor, a friend and is truly one of the best artist's in the area.
These painting were a source
These painting were a source of joy to my deceased Mother when she was a resident of the Home. She would spend time looking at them every time we would pass down the hall. She lived in the post WWII Batavia when the down town strip looked like that.
The irony of the paintings,
The irony of the paintings, which are wonderful, is that they reflect a time when those who lived and worked in the area were paying taxes to pay for those living and cared for in the county home at the time.
They did it because it was the right thing to do.
We have 4 of those paintings
We have 4 of those paintings and they are fantastic. I think my wife bought them at a local craft fair.
They do remind one of better times in Batavia.
So many bars on Main Street :)
Lorie, Does she still paint?
Lorie,
Does she still paint?
I remember Mother taking my two brothers & I to Batavia every Saturday morning to go shopping... Carrs was her favorite. (Were you ever nervous on the elevator? It was cool but creepy!) She loved to browse upstairs "oohing & aahing" over their fabric selections. Mom sewed wonderful sundresses for me back in the 60's.
I also loved JJ Newberry. Aaah, the old creaky wood floors & the smell of Murphy's Oil Soap. And of course, DiSalvo's for our back-to-school shoes. I felt so pampered when they measured my foot! And then they'd personally lace up the shoes to make sure they fit just right.
Mardell, I haven't seen Pat
Mardell, I haven't seen Pat in awhile. She used to come by and visit my Friday morning art class at the Senior Center from time to time. I know this much -- Pat paints every single day without a miss. A few of us took a little gallery field trip down to Corning and I learned so much just from observing artwork along side Pat. Of course being a little younger than her, it was my job to get on the floor to get the right angle on any camera shot that she wanted for future observations and I was honored to accommodate her. She is one of my very favorite artists.
Thanks Lorie ~~ sounds like a
Thanks Lorie ~~ sounds like a wonderful lady. And hey, I admire your work too! :o)