BETHESDA FOUNTAIN
Vestie Davis (1903–1978)
Photo by Gavin Ashworth
The New York of Vestie Davis (1903–1978) is a bright, sparkling place with impressive and diverse landmark buildings, bridges, parks, and beaches. It is a hub of civic, business, and recreational activity chronicled in meticulously detailed pictures from the 1950s through the 1970s. Davis predicted that some of his favorite sites would not survive the evolving needs of the city, and he faithfully rendered them with this in mind. The exhibition features thirty-six paintings and drawings from the museum’s collection that represent the artist’s favorite subjects.
Major support for programs and exhibitions at the museum’s branch location at Lincoln Square is provided by Joyce Berger Cowin. Additional support for “Vestie Davis’s New York” is provided by Council Member Gale A. Brewer.
Bethesda Fountain
Vestie Davis (1903–1978)
New York City
1964
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Gloria Bley Miller, 2002.28.2
Photo by Gavin Ashworth
Coney Island Boardwalk with Parachute Jump
Vestie Davis (1903–1978)
New York City
1972
Oil on canvas
17 x 37 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Mr. And Mrs. Ivan Karp, 1984.10.1
City Hall
Vestie Davis (1903–1978)
New York City
1975
Oil on canvas
25 1/2 x 37 1/2 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Ken and Asa Miller, 1984.32.1
Photo by John Parnell
IRT 3rd Avenue Elevated
Vestie Davis (1903–1978)
New York City
1965
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Gloria Bley Miller, 2002.28.1
Photo by Gavin Ashworth
Village Art Show
Vestie Davis (1903–1978)
New York City
1958
Oil on canvas
11 1/2 x 15 in.
American Folk Art Museum, bequest of Gloria Bley Miller, 2008.5.4
Freak Show
Vestie Davis (1903–1978)
New York City
1969
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Gloria Bley Miller, 2002.28.5
Photo by Gavin Ashworth
Major support for programs and exhibitions at the museum’s branch location at Lincoln Square is provided by Joyce Berger Cowin. Additional support for “Vestie Davis’s New York” is provided by Council Member Gale A. Brewer.
