OGDENSBURG -- Seven paintings by Ruth E. Claxton will be going home to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, thanks to the generosity of the Frederic Remington Art Museum.

Ruth Claxton’s husband, Garfield, was a leading Ogdensburg obstetrician from 1935 until his retirement in 1964. The couple moved to Florida but remained philanthropically devoted to the North Country, giving to a variety of local organizations from afar. After her death in 1984, Dr. Claxton kept her paintings hanging in his home, as did his second wife, Helena. It was after her death in 2016 that the Remington received a gift of Ruth’s paintings, bringing them home to Ogdensburg after decades away.

While the paintings have been displayed at times, they cannot be added to the museum’s collection because they are not profoundly connected to Frederic Remington. At the time of the gift, Executive Director Laura A. Foster said, “We hope to use it well to honor both of Dr. Claxton’s wives and the history of Ogdensburg’s cultural life.” Through its donation to Claxton-Hepburn, where the paintings will be installed and featured for the community to see, Ms. Foster is living up to her words.

“We are beyond honored to welcome home art from such an inspirational woman who is also integrally linked to the hospital’s history,” said Amanda Hitterman, executive director of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Foundation. “Claxton-Hepburn would not be the community hospital and safety net that it is today without the support of the Claxtons. Creating a proper display area for Ruth’s painting is a wonderful way to celebrate their legacy.”