DALTON, Mass. — The Historical Commission has designated August as George Hoose Art Month at the Fitch-Hoose House and is showcasing some of the painter's work. 

 

The 1846 house is the last remaining home of Dalton's early Black residential neighborhood. A wide range of information has been gathered surrounding the Hoose family that is also on display. 

 

The small two-story building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed to have been active on the Underground Railroad.

 

George Hoose died in 1977 at age 80. He was a prolific painter and was known for the "Indian Head" painting on Gulf Road that has long since been painted over and weathered away.

 

"We're celebrating his artistic abilities through his paintings," co-Chair Louisa Horth said. 

 

The paintings showcase how hard-working and successful Hoose and his family were. The self-taught artist was successful and was commissioned to paint a number of pieces, co-Chair Deborah Kovacs said.

 

The Fitch-Hoose House has a collection of about 15 paintings by Hoose, which have been donated to the museum over the years. 

 

Ordinarily they are stored on the second floor of the house which is not accessible to the public becaue of safety concerns.  

 

Commissioners have blended eight of his painting in with the museum's current collection. The museum is open every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. 

 

Due to the many paintings centered around autumn and winter, the museum will extend the exhibit into September, swapping some currently displayed works with his seasonal pieces.

 

More information on the museum here. Check out our video here.