Arthur Singer (New York, 1917 - 1990) "Western Meadowlark and Oregon Grape" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Oregon: Western Meadowlark and Oregon Grape stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Western Meadowlark - In 1844, Audubon commented on the curious notes uttered by Western Meadowlarks along the upper Missouri River. He observed that although the species was known to members of the Lewis and Clark expedition, no one had taken the least notice of these birds since. Consequently, Audubon named the Western Meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta. Today the tag no longer fits. Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming have picked Meadowlarks as their state birds. The Western Meadowlark unleashes a bubbling medley of rich, flutelike phrases that is well-known from the Great Pacific Ocean. Oregon Grape - The Lewis and Clark Expedition into the Northwest Territory is credited with bringing the Oregon Grape to the East where it has been grown and appreciated as an ornamental flower ever since. The Oregon Grape's lustrous, dark green, leathery leaves, pyramidal spikes of bright yellow flowers, and light blue grape-like fruits in early summer, make it effective for use in many garden situations. By autumn the fruit develops into grape-like bunches of bright purple berries. The fruit is edible, and sometimes jelly is made from it. The Oregon Grape (or holly grape as it is also called) was used by the Indians and early pioneers as food, medicine, and drink. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B05075) See More