Past Exhibitions
Beech-Nut Animals Large & Small

Spring 2018

Bartlett Arkell, first president of the Beech-Nut Packing Company, used the appeal of animals in Beech-Nut advertising and on Beech-Nut labels and packages. This special installation features advertisements, photos, and products showcasing Beech-Nut's use of animals in their marketing.

This display was designed and installed by Amanda Berman, Arkell Museum Intern and Cooperstown (Museum) Graduate Program, Class of 2018.

Capturing the Essence: The Artwork of Beth Van Hoesen and Mark Adams

March 10, 2018 through June 10, 2018

From luminous watercolors to stunning prints, the work of Mark Adams and Beth Van Hoesen captures the essence of everyday objects and animals in a realistic manner. Van Hoesen and Adams met at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco in 1952. She was from Boise, Idaho; he was born and raised locally in Fort Plain, New York. Adams relates in a 1984 interview that he “came to California to see what it was like, met Beth and got married.”

Both studied painting, Van Hoesen at Stanford University and Adams at Syracuse University, and both later embraced diverse media. Van Hoesen distinguished herself as a major figure in 20th century printmaking. Adams created monumental tapestry and stained glass before turning to watercolor as his primary medium. During their early careers, Abstract Expressionism dominated American painting yet Van Hoesen and Adams focused on capturing the art found in everyday life with extraordinary images of objects, animals, and people they knew.

The upper torso and head of a mountain lion, who stares out at the viewer intently from a stark sand colored background
Beth Van Hoesen (1926-2010)
"Maharani," 1988, aquatint, etching, and drypoint on paper
Gift of the E. Mark Adams and Beth Van Hoesen Adams Trust, 2011
Fine Art Animals

March 10, 2018 - October 21, 2018

Explore works featuring exotic, domestic, wild and working animals from the Museum's permanent collection, including both rarely exhibited watercolors and oil paintings. Works span the 19th and 20th centuries and include works by George Inness, Henry E. Schnakenberg, and Robert Brackman.

Two small, colorful birds, grouse, stand on rocks atop a wooded mountainside
Howard Hill (1823-1888)
"Two Grouse," 1866
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Anthony London, 2003

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The mission of the Arkell Museum at Canajoharie and the Canajoharie Library is to promote and celebrate the understanding and enjoyment of the arts and humanities in Canajoharie, the Mohawk Valley, and beyond. The Arkell Museum collects, preserves, researches and presents American Art and Mohawk Valley History, and promotes active participation in art and history related activities, to enhance knowledge, appreciation and personal exploration by all.

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