Under the Winter Moon*

Through The Hills in May*

G.W.V. Smith

This was a very significant exhibition for Woodward both paintings would be purchased by the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum for its collection. Smith and his wife Belle Townsley Smith, avid collections of paintings and antiquities, would give their entire collection of works to the Springfield Library Association so long as the city build a fireproof buidling to house the collection. Mr. Smith was the museum's first director and followed by his wife after his death in 1923.

Smith was one of the original pioneers of the "collectors' movement" in response to the massive cultural and economic change brought on by industrialization and its manufacturing of goods which displaced a number of skilled craftsmen. Men, like Smith, sought to preserve the wears of these declining artisans.

It would be a great honor for Woodward, so early in his career to have his work be part of such a prestigous collection. However, not without a bit of haggling on the part by shrude businessman Smith. The museum has in its archives, letters and documents concerning both paintings. We suggest you go to the ARCHIVES, PAPERS & LETTERS GALLERY to review those papers. The letters regarding Under the Winter Moon are especially informative and entertaining.

An image of a painting J.H. Miller uses from their
website. It is the only picture we could find.

J.H. Miller Picture Framing Company was established in 1890 in Springfield Massachusetts and is known as Western Massachusetts oldest frame shop and gallery. J.H. Miller is in its 3rd Century of operation and has survived two World Wars, a depression, and several recessions.
Source: http://jhmillerframing.com/about/

There are 4 exhibitions in the 1920's (1921, 1922 (Feb.), 1922 (May), and 1928) Woodward exhibited paintings at the Miller gallery with 1928 being his only significant "one man show."