Eric Sloane, Heirloom Apples, and Cider

I recently received a request from Peter S. Montgomery of Warren, Connecticut.  Peter’s project is an important one – if you have some information that can help Peter in his efforts, please post it here.  Thank you!

“Greetings from Warren, former home of Eric Sloane.

I am working on a project E.S. would have approved of: increasing public awareness of CT’s heirloom apples and saving those that can be found, then having scions cut and trees grafted.  That said, I was reviewing 1955 first editions of his works and could not find a specific reference, but did find the sketch of the apple orchard tools on another site.  Are you aware of any of his writings on farm life, cidering and orchard keeping which might be used in my efforts and, if so, what were his comments?”

http://www.common-place.org/vol-13/no-04/walthausen/

          This scholarly glimpse into the literary body of work produced by Eric Sloane crossed my desk the other day. Writing in Common –Place, an online journal sponsored by the American Antiquarian Society and the University of Connecticut, author Abigail Walthausen provides some much needed context for Eric’s literary inspiration. In my opinion, there is truth in much of Ms. Walthausen writes, but I have come to view Eric Sloane’s artistic inspirations in a somewhat different light. Much of what Eric was trying to convey in his works on paper and on Masonite was, ironically, an acknowledgement our nation’s progress. This acknowledgement was couched in a philosophical look at loss, and it is that ethos of loss that seems to permeate Sloane’s works. Yes, America has progressed greatly since the founding of our nation, but what have we – individually and collectively – lost during this period? It’s a bold and a somewhat impertinent question the artist asked. It is the question, however, that makes Eric’s point that he was not “longing for a better past” or simply “nostalgic”, but his exploration was more nuanced, more complex.

Eric Sloane and New England Stone

Eric Sloane and New England Stone

Traditional New England stone walls…

sloane stone walls 3

…Learn how to build one.

Join master wall builder Carl Dill on the grounds of the Eric Sloane Museum of Kent, CT

Classes Held:  5/9, 5/16, 7/25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day.  $50.oo course fee registers you for one class date of your choice.  Spaces are limited.  Additional class dates TBA throughout the summer.

Special Event:  5/17 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Book signing, lecture, and stone wall tour by Robert Thorson, author of Stone by Stone and Exploring Stone Walls:  A Field Guide to New England’s Stone Walls.  This event is free, sponsored by the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum.  Robert will be signing books.  Bring yours or purchase one new at the event (proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum).

More Information:  Barb Russ, the Eric Sloane Museum 860-927-3849

                                            Jeff Bischoff, Friends board member 203-252-1321

Class Information Session 4/11 @ 9 a.m. in the Kent Town Hall with Instructor Robert Dill.  This session is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about the stone wall building courses to be held throughout the summer and fall of 2015.  Refreshments will be served.

The 2015 season at the Eric Sloane Museum is devoted to Eric Sloane and New England Stone.  Please join us in celebration of the stone wall architecture of New England.

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This nice note came in the other day from Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum member Dayna Wenzel, a very talented artist – Dayna’s works can be seen via:

www.dayna7design.smugmug.com

“I have been fortunate to participate in the last 2 art shows celebrating Eric Sloane and his wonderful, diverse work.  I have especially enjoyed your book which I received as a participating artist.  The positive work of the museum and the Friends group is very impressive and so very worthwhile. ”

Thank you, Dayna!  We appreciate having you as a member!

 

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      Thank you, Scott, for your kind words regarding the talk, the museum, and the Friends group. We’re so pleased to have you as a member of the group. For those of you who don’t know Scott Sheldon, he is a well-known aficionado of the works of Eric Sloane as well as a very talented woodworker and carpenter. It was great to see you and your brother again!  Here is what Scott shared with the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum:

         “My brother and I attended the talk given by Dr. Mauch yesterday. It was some time very well spent. The talk was very informative and interesting as he went over some of the fine points of the Cloudscapes done by Eric Sloane. My appreciation of Sloane‘s work was increased be caused of the knowledge shared by Mr. Mauch. It was great to learn more about the depth of Sloane’s paintings. I missed several of the events that “The Friends of Eric Sloane Museum” held this pass season and now I regret it. Next season I will try to make every event. Dr. Mauch told me of up coming events for next year and it sounds very exciting. I would strongly recommend becoming a member of “The Friends of Eric Sloane Museum”, check it out on FB and online. Also want to mention Barbara Russ Museum Assistant aided in the talk with her vast knowledge of Eric Sloane. Thanks to both Dr. Mauch and Barbara.”

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Our thanks to Harold and Marie Stewart, steadfast supporters of the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum. In addition to a generous donation to the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum earlier this year, Harold and Marie renewed their Sponsor level membership in the group. Thank you!

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Caroline Nelson, a participant in the 2104 “The World Above: Artists Celebrate the Sky” Contest, Exhibit and Sale at the Eric Sloane Museum, had an article published in The Lakeville Journal about her experiences as a participant in the show:

http://tricornernews.com/node/36729

Please see p.13.

Thank you, Caroline! I appreciated reading about your experiences as an artist in the show – and we all appreciated as well your beautiful work.

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The Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum welcomes new member Phyllis Oria at the Volunteer Level.  100% of your financial support is used to preserve and promote the legacy of artist Eric Sloane, as well as to enhance the Eric Sloane Museum.  Thank you!

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The Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum welcomes new member Thomas Brandon at the Sponsor Level.  Thom took advantage of the offer to have a formal appraisal conducted of  a wonderful Eric Sloane painting he and his wife Pamela own.  Dayna Wenzel renewed for 2014-2015 at the Family Membership Level – many of you will recognize Danya’s name as she is a talented artist who participates in our annual art show held at the Eric Sloane Museum.  Our thanks as well to Karin Peterson, who joined the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum at the Family Membership Level.  100% of your financial support is used to preserve and promote the legacy of artist Eric Sloane, as well as to enhance the Eric Sloane Museum.  Thank you!

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The Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum welcomes new member Sharon Dougherty at the Volunteer Level and renewing member Michael J. Salvino at the Sponsor Level.  100% of your financial support is used to preserve and promote the legacy of artist Eric Sloane, as well as to enhance the Eric Sloane Museum.  Thank you!