By Jess Szabo and CHL
Looking at art can cause similar reactions in the brain to falling in love, or looking at someone you love. Reduced stress, improved memory, and greater feelings of empathy have also been noted in studies that examine the impact of viewing works of art.
One way local business owners and managers can use the visual arts to make their workspaces inviting and memorable is to lease one or more paintings from the Paul Parker Utica Trust.
Paul Parker was a talented painter, Hamilton College professor for twenty-two years, from 1948 until his retirement in 1970, and ended his career as Chair of the Hamilton College Art department. He was born in LaGrange, Illinois in 1905 and passed away in 1987 at his home in Dobbs Ferry, NY. During the 1950s and 1960s, Parker sketched and painted scenes of pre-Urban renewal Utica. When he retired, Parker set twenty-two of his paintings aside to form this permanent collection.
Parker held degrees from the University of Illinois, and the University of Chicago. Before moving to Utica, he served as the Head of the Art Department for the University of South Dakota (1937-1939), Director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (1940-1945) and the Director of the Des Moines Art Center (1945-1948). Parker was also a fine Jazz pianist.
In early 1980’s Paul and attorney Stephen L. Lockwood began discussing this collection of paintings and decided to bind the art in a Trust to benefit “those whose talent exceeds their means” right back in Utica NY. Cassandra Harris-Lockwood was asked to be the Trustee.
Harris-Lockwood’s first use of funds from the collection was used to produce the first independent Black theater in Utica in 1984 at the Jewish Community Center, once on James Street. The play was directed by Randy Fields. Jean Davis starred as Mama, GiGi Harris, starred as Beneatha, Harris-Lockwood played Ruth, Colley Gray played Travis and a local artist by the name of Tank. Walter Lee was played by the same actor who played in the Utica College version earlier in the year.
The Trust provided the funding for the development of the play ‘The Wizard of Was,” an original musical written by Cassandra Harris-Lockwood which eventually was produced at the Stanley Theater. The funds for which were provided by Academy Award winning actor Adrien Brody in 2008. Over100 local youth and adults played in the show that summer including the late Richard Enders, Lynn Mishalanie, Max Smith, Astena Smith, Gary Thornton and others.
The Trust also sponsored Onondaga Snipe Clan artist Clint Shenandoah for his entire art student career. Clint Shenandoah began his formal art training at the Munson Williams Proctor School of Art under scholarship provided by Mr. Milton Block. Shenandoah remains a practicing artist and serves as Native American Chaplain for the NYS DOC.
Each painting in the trust is an original, framed oil painting featuring scenes that will feel familiar to many who grew up in Utica, during those decades, and welcoming to those who moved here after the time reflected in the work. When shown prints from the collection, long-time residents immediately begin sharing memories of Utica’s past, while newer arrivals are typically moved to ask questions about their new hometown.
“Parking Lot,” painted in 1956, features a row of five distinctive 1950s cars sure to bring back memories of first driver’s licenses and first vehicles. “Barber Shop,” created in 1952, instantly brings to mind the days when men of all ages gathered in these places for both grooming and socializing.
“Encounter,” from 1952, is a street scene in which a group of people meets up on the sidewalk. “Seat Covers Installed,” a painting done in 1955, contrasts a crisp, clear ad for seat covers painted on the side of a building with the collection’s signature soft, muted tones.
Other paintings are named after the specific Utica location portrayed in them, such as “North Genesee Street” (1952), “Park Avenue” (1956), “Encounter on Bleecker Street” (1956) includes the artist’s self portrait, and “Terminal Hotel” (1953).
The color palette for most of the works tends toward warm shades of rust, reds, greens, and teals, with soft blue-gray skies. There are many more outstanding paintings that are part of the Trust.
Business owners and managers can lease the works for $200 per month, per painting. They must agree to lease them for at least three months. Businesses of all sizes and types are welcome to display the paintings, but rentals are limited to public places. The paintings may be hung in private homes under special circumstances.
Workplaces that choose three or more paintings for extended periods of time will be asked to pay for insurance on the paintings. But there are no other costs. Representatives from the Paul Parker Utica Trust will transport the paintings of your choice to your place of business and hang them for you.
Whether your business is in the arts or not, choosing a painting from the Paul Parker Utica Trust supports your fellow Utica artists. All funds raised through the leasing of these paintings are used to support Utica artists.
The Paul Parker Utica Trust is based out of the local nonprofit organization “For the Good, Inc.” Detailed information about leasing the paintings is available by calling the organization directly at 315-797-2417. Those who prefer to communicate in writing may email For the Good at Forthegoodinc@gmail.com.
Don’t miss out on this special, unique to Utica opportunity to beautify your workspace, boost your business’s reputation, and support talented local artists.
