Since 2017, when Westside News published an article about Helen Hastings’ art found in a trunk in the attic of the Emily L. Knapp Museum in Brockport, the museum’s board and volunteers have been trying to solve a mystery. Did the trunk contain her studies from her lessons at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art from 1898 until 1904? If so, did she continue to paint? Where are her completed works? Did she sell her paintings?
Part of the puzzle was answered in late May of this year when Ronald Herlan stumbled across an original Helen Hastings painting at a garage sale and remembered that 2017 article. He knew the painting was valuable to Brockport’s history and contacted the museum. In early July, Sue Savard and Roberta Hesek met with him to view the picture. It was a painting called Spring Garden, a historic section in Philadelphia, which Helen had submitted to the Art Institute of Chicago exhibition in 1901.
When Ronald viewed the museum’s new Helen Hastings Art Gallery, he was amazed at the quality and scope of her work. As a former history professor at SUNY Brockport, Ron understood the importance of preserving local history, and he and his wife decided to donate Spring Garden to the Emily Knapp Museum. “This picture belongs in your museum,” he said.
Christopher Martin photographed the painting’s transfer from Ronald to Sue, and since then, thanks to Sarah Hart’s Facebook and Remembering Brockport posts, another painting has been discovered in Brockport.
Gradually, part of the mystery is being solved. Yet, there is more to learn. As with all museum artifacts, provenance is important, and the history of ownership of the picture increases its historical value. Although Helen did not achieve notoriety for her art, and it is not known whether she sold her paintings, its value is significant to Brockport’s local history.
Those at the museum now wonder, “How did the garage sale family come to have Spring Garden in their possession?” Hopefully, if the owners see this article, they will call the Brockport Village Office and solve the newest mystery.
Spring Garden is now framed and will be available for viewing during the month of September at Hart Gallery, 27 Market Street, Brockport. All of Helen Hastings’ preparatory work for the painting will also be on display. The gallery is open Thursday 2 to 6 p.m., Friday 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
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