Current Exhibit
Step Into Our Canvas: 200 Years of Salem County Art
Now on View!
An art exhibit featuring Salem County artwork including artists recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for their skills. Ranging from the late 18th century to present day, the subject matter includes portraits, landscapes, structures, still lifes, illustrations, and many more in a variety of mediums. This permanent exhibit of the Historical Society’s visual art collection aims to perpetuate Salem County’s heritage and enhance awareness and appreciation of its artistic roots.
Artists to be Included:
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George Washington Conarroe
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George W. Pettit
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James Simkins
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Maurice Sims
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Lucy Holme
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Amelia Rumsey Patterson
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Morris Hall Pancoast
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John M. Dunn
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George Grier Bassett
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Thomas Bowen
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Jim Nichols
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Joseph Konopka
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Ron Lehew
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And More!
Amelia Rumsey Patterson, Rebecca at the Well, 19th c., oil on canvas
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This painting details the biblical story of Rebecca whose offer to draw water for a stranger was understood as a sign which led to her marriage to Isaac. In this painting, viewers only see Rebecca with no other figures. She takes up most of the canvas and makes eye contact with viewers as if suggesting we are the stranger and she is inviting us to interpret the sign.
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Amelia Rumsey Patterson was a Salem native born to a local doctor and his wife, Theophilus Patterson and Caroline Rowe Patterson. While it is unknown what type of professional art training A.R. Patterson may have received, it is believed that she exhibited at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Be sure to come learn more about Patterson's story as well as many other local artists!
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the Salem County Board of County Commissioners, and Salem County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
