Work and Play
We are currently under construction, here at Cremona Farm. Our Registrar and, newly titled, Curator of Silos and Farm Architecture at Cremona has been busy with the reconstruction of the ceramic-tile silos c.1930 (three by my count) and its overall preservation and appearance to the public. Furthermore, we had student archaeologists from St. Mary's College of Maryland dig in the torturous heat and humidity at Cremona, and have wonderful finds to share later this year. Another development is to renovate our dearly beloved Tobacco Barn, or Sheep Barn sometimes called, into a spacious multi-purpose building and visitor center for future events. In addition to the renovation - any art present at Cremona will be moved to Rutgers at a later date. Fortunately for us registrars at Cremona, our offices will continue to function as such and more offices will be added for future Director and staff at Cremona. The most amazing place in Southern Maryland with horse pastures, wide view of Persimmon Creek, and, who cannot forget, Cremona's luscious vineyard and farmland. Although there are no tours, no reservations, and no admittance to Cremona Farm, this is one exciting venture to go to when it becomes reality!
Sadly, I will be leaving Cremona the following year to pursue my career as curator, but my years at this beautiful locale were well spent. I have learned, and still learning, so much about a time and art in history that was unheard, untouched, untold by academics and educators until an eccentric American, Norton T. Dodge (1927-2011), decided to collect, preserve, make visible, and educate the public about Nonconformist Art from the former Soviet Union. A full biography of Norton Dodge will be posted in November in memory of his trials and triumphs as a leader and activist in Art History.
But for now I want to write about a not-so-Russian fellow by the name of Don Swann. Don Swann, an American artist based in Baltimore, Maryland and studied in Munich, Germany and Italy, was a prolific artist and was most famous for his scenes of Historic Americana, Ships, Trees, U.S. Navy series, and Schools. His work was advertised and exhibited in many states, and can be found in many permanent and private collections, to name a few, the Metropolitan Museum, Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Collection, US Naval Museum, J. P. Morgan Collection, and many more. He founded the Etchcrafters Art Guild, which his son, Don Swann, Jr., later carried on after his father's passing in 1954. From the archives of University of Baltimore, "Donovan Swann, Jr. was a graduate of Princeton University in Art and Archaeology, attended the Maryland Institute and Johns Hopkins University and studies with his father for four years. ... Author of Colonial and Historic Homes in Maryland, he completed over one hundred etchings of his own, [including one accepted by the Vatican] his rendition of 'The Mother Seton House.' His etchings are housed in the Cairo Museum Shop in Egypt, the Matinee Gallery in Nassau, The Heritage Gallery in Bermuda, and other 300 galleries across America." He continued to print etchings from his father's original plates, which he signed and published under his name. He died at age 87 in February of 1998. The University of Baltimore holds a majority of Don Swann prints, both original and reprinted etchings.
That being said... I came across three Don Swann etchings published and signed by Don Swann, Jr. from the original plates (as said on verso). Recently cataloged Don Swann originals, the three are historic landmarks or places in St. Mary's County: "Susquehanna" , "Tudor Hall, St. Mary's County" , "Mulberry Fields, St. Mary's County." All beautiful scenic prints and rendition of the historic homes in St. Mary's. I cannot publish photographs of these divine prints, but I can keep my followers and academics posted on art, history, where to find local artists, and the like.
Until I write again... Pintame un Russo!
