The Cornwall Public Library, along with Robert and Loretta Gould from Ooltewah, TN and photographer William Gould and artist Paul Gould, will host an Opening Reception on Wednesday, July 10, at 4p.m. to kick off the art exhibit, “Memories of Times Past- The Creative Talent of John Gould.” Patrons are invited to attend and hear more about his work.

The exhibit offers a nostalgic look at “Memories of Times Past” through 40 original pen and ink illustrations by the late Hudson Valley artist, John Gould. These works transport viewers from the Horsecars in Erie, PA, to the Sleepy Hollow Restorations in Tarrytown, NY. Local scenes from Cornwall include St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Cromwell Manor, and Mallards on Hudson near Storm King Mountain.

These pen and ink scenes were used by the artist to produce thousands of six-inch square ceramic tiles in the 1960’s-70’s and 80’s. The original idea for the tiles was for the General Electric Company and the artist’s railroad illustrations for GE. The railroad tiles became so popular that the artist began illustrating churches, ferryboats, lighthouses, bridges, riverboats, day liners, historic homes on the Hudson, West Point, the Huguenot homes of New Paltz, Sleepy Hollow Restorations for tiles. He amassed over 250 scenes for the tile collection. Each original in the exhibition has a distinct and precise detail that the artist was famous for. Composition and contrast with careful use of shade and shadow will thrill the viewers of John Gould’s artwork.

“Memories of Times Past- The Creative Talent of John Gould” will be on display in the Community Room at the Cornwall Public Library until August 26, 2024.