Decorated Butter Paddle and Painted Wood Panel, Framed

Decorated Butter Paddle American Decoration attributed to Vona Donald, c.1910 Wood (maple), paint Gift of Delma Donald Woodburn Estate MHAHS 1997.038.0001

Painted Wooden Panel, Framed American Attributed to Donald/Sweet Family, c.1890 Wood (pine), paint Gift of Delma Donald Woodburn Estate MHAHS 2002.001.0063

Repurposed objects such as a butter paddle or a wood panel became the canvas of a folk artist. Making her home more inviting and following the Victorian magazine arts of the time, Vona Donald chose bucolic rural winter scenes to enhance and decorate her environment. With paint and inspiration, the rural landscapes brought character to these daily objects.