This collection of drawings and paintings is by the well known New York artist JOHN EDWARD HELIKER (1909-2000).  It was acquired from friends of the artist Oscar & Florenz Baron. They bought the collection directly from him back in the 1940’s. Our collection of this notable New York artist is exclusively of his works dating 1930's - 1940's. Many are original Ink works that involve such themes and places as New York, Vermont, Maine, and Europe, Farm Life, Labor Workers, World War II, and Modern City scenes. Some reflects his work that was published in the political protest magazine "New Masses". The paper expressed the cultural upheaval of the rebel 1930's. It was a forum for artists, Poets, and writers to express their revolutionary spirit. It later became a target for the legendary Red Scare. An interesting fact is that one of the main reasons that this collection ever became available was that later in the 1940's when McCarthy's threat to artists across America became more intense John disposed of many of his current works that pertained to the leftist "New Masses" magazine by selling them to his close friend who owned the Alley Cat Bookshop in Yonkers New York in the late 1940's. You will find that many of the subjects from this time period are very emotional and filled with strength and struggle. Many of the Farm life subjects are from when he lived on a farm in Plainfield, Vermont. They show a wonderful classic WPA style. Each work stands alone as a very admirable work of art. John Heliker's artwork has a peculiar sense of like ability. You will find that collectors of his paintings hold him as a very intimate and respected artist. In fact he has been quoted as the last true romantic painter.