“Their beauty and vision of bounty will take your mind to a better place, a place of optimism and hope for we truly are blessed to live not only in ‘America the beautiful’ but also ‘America the bountiful,’ ” wrote Neal Milligan, in the exhibition’s catalogue.

Milligan generously loaned 37 still life paintings to the Taber for the exhibition that runs until May 31. He has meticulously collected and loaned works held in his private collection.

Works from 1850 – 1885 are represented by over 25 artists. One of the exhibit’s most impressive aspects is its inclusion of six Severin Roesen still lifes. Roesen is locally revered because of the years he spent in Williamsport. He rose to national prominence when Jackie Kennedy selected his work to be displayed in the White House and he is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.

“Here is a chance to look at Roesen’s work more closely,” said Gary Parks, executive director of the Taber. “He migrated to Williamsport in1862 from New York City.”

“Roesen was originally from Germany and left there because of the division and wars and constant tension. Many still life artists were trying to escape [those conditions] and find a new beginning. Could we be something better and form a more perfect union?” commented Milligan.

With the exception of two paintings, the pieces depict classic still lifes of food, drink and flora. Perhaps, the bounty in the pieces represents America’s richness.

“They implanted this vision that America is a beautiful and abundant nation from the hand of God,” said Milligan. “The immigrants saw this as the new Eden – God’s masterpiece – new beginnings. They did everything they could to make it into paradise. They wanted a place where you could live and worship together and make it as close to perfect on earth.”

When asked about his favorite painting in the exhibit, Milligan replied, “That is like asking, “Who is your favorite grandchild?’ But it is a Behne painting. He lived in Philadelphia but escaped the Civil War and went to Cuba. [The painting] shows the hibiscus and is a Caribbean looking painting. I love the watch and you wonder what he is trying to communicate to us.”

The exhibit has already been widely embraced.

“We had 160 people here. We were thrilled,” said Parks, referring to the show’s opening in December.

According to Parks, guests from Japan, Illinois and South Carolina have already signed the museum’s guest book. In addition, the exhibition has attracted national media attention, after an article appeared in American Art Review.

Thanks to a grant from the Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau, the museum advertised the exhibit nationally, produced posters and created an 80 page full color catalogue.

“They have been very supportive of the historical society,” noted Parks.

Parks also gave credit to Jack McKernan of Williamsport Moving for taking such great care in delivering the collection to the museum.

And of course, Parks is grateful for Milligan’s selflessness in sharing these pieces with the public.

Parks wrote in the exhibition catalogue, “Generosity of spirit and kindness of the heart. That is my succinct description of Neal Milligan. Someone who is willing to share his kindness with the community.”