I am honored and delighted to share the news that three of my artworks—two paintings and one drawing—have entered the permanent collection of the Plattsburgh State Art Museum, which is a facility of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. The museum holds than 10,000 objects including the most comprehensive collection of artworks by Rockwell Kent (1882-1971).
When Kathie and I purchased what we thought would be a getaway on Lake Champlain, no one saw Covid coming. Nor could we force that a vacation home would become our primary residence. When that became apparent, I began to make courtesy calls on regional nonprofits and arts organizations, including the museum at Plattsburgh.
I was delighted to learn that the museum’s director, South Carolina-born Tonya Cribb had been a protege of curator Tom Stanley, who included my work in several exhibitions during the late 1990s. My exposure to Brandywine Valley illustrators and New Hope School landscape painting growing up in the Delaware Valley inoculated me against easel painting purists disparaging Parrish, Wyeth, and Kent. My grandfather played pirates in Howard Pyle’s studio, or so he claimed. My interest in Kent was only partly inspired by my admiration for his artwork. He was a dauntless traveler who made drawings and wrote about Greenland, Alaska, and Tierra del Fuego.
I was thoroughly delighted when Tonya and I began to explore the idea of bringing some of my work into the collection. Four pieces were selected, but one was being conserved when the other three were retrieved by the museum staff. Knowing the pieces were selected for pedagogical value was gratifying. I had been teaching in higher education when these pieces were created.
I will spare both those familiar with museum acquisitions protocols, and those who are not, with the step-by-step process. Last Tuesday October 14, the museum curator/preparator and the registrar appeared on my doorstep—at the storefront I rented last summer. The space had once been occupied by a barbershop where Rockwell Kent had trimmed what few hairs he had, or so I was told. The pieces were soft-packed and loaded onto the waiting truck. It was truly a pleasure to interact with such seasoned professionals, and grateful to know that the work is in good hands.
As the vehicle headed north, I returned to my store-room. Only 327 more paintings to go! Details about the works acquired by Plattsburgh will appear in subsequent posts. Thanks for reading!
—James Lancel McElhinney © 2026
Wow. Excellent news Jim! Bravo!
Congrtulatioms! well done fo rthe paintings and the leg work to place them in a home.