2010.05

Van Ark, MaeVan Ark, "Mike" Myron

Donation

1960

Poster - Ox Bow 50th anniversaryLeaning Tree Poster

22 in

18 in

Good

Philip Bormarth The Leaning Tree 1960 | print Notes: Bormarth taught printmaking at Ox-Bow in 1960. This image was done for the poster celebrating Ox-Bow's 50th birthday that year. The best-known tree at Ox-Bow, until its demise in the 1960s, is captured in this print. Eventually propped to maintain its balance, this large White Pine stood near the lagoon and old fishing shanties, which were used as studios and dormitories for students and faculty. Collection: Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society Gift Of: Mae Van Ark

From "Collecting the Lakeshore" 2025-2026 at the History Center main floor gallery Philip William Bornarth 1929-2022 The Leaning Tree 1960 | etching This etching commemorates Ox Bow's 50th Anniversary, celebrated in 1960. It also memorializes an iconic white pine tree at the heart of the campus. The artist, Philip Bornarth, taught printmaking at Ox-Bow in the 1950s. The best-known tree at Ox-Bow, until its demise in the 1960s, is captured in this print. Eventually propped up to maintain its balance, this large white pine stood near the lagoon and the ancient fishing shanties used as studios and dormitories for students and faculty until the end of the 1960s. The cross hatching of lines throughout brings depth and density. The tree is lit from the back, and behind it the viewer can make out the shimmering water of the lagoon. On the left we can see the roofs of the shanties. The dense clumps of the branches show the defining feature of the white pine. The donors of this artwork were Mike Van Ark who worked as business manager at Ox-Bow in the 1950s and Mae Van Ark who was also an artist who worked and studied at the school. Gift of Mike and Mae Van Ark Accession 2010.05.01

Framed by the SDHS and placed in the "Passion for Painting " exhibit at the SCA Aug. 13 - Oct. 4 Status: OK Status By: Mary Voss Status Date: 2010-08-16