The social media monolith Facebook has been used not only to catch up with high school friends, or share vacation pictures. It’s being used to mourn the victims of tragic accidents, gather cohorts of radio personalities, help cure cancer, and now to save a priceless piece of art.

"Summer Afternoon, Isles of Shoals" - Frederick Childe Hassam

On Sunday afternoon, WYNE/North East’s self-described “one-man-band” Dan Geary began a Facebook group “Save the HASSAM !!!”, pulling people together to stop the proposed sale of “Summer Afternoon, Isles of Shoals” by Frederick Childe Hassam, which is owned by the Erie County Public Library and is on display on the second floor of the Blasco Library adjacent to the Heritage Room.

Geary in his first post on the FB group explains the backstory:

This page has been created to make the Facebook community aware of a pending action that will change the rich art history of Erie County….forever. The County Executive has recommended that the painting “Summer Afternoon, Isle of Shoals” by Frederick Childe Hassam be offered for auction and be replaced with a print.The piece was “gifted” to the Erie Community by the original Erie Art Club 106 years ago.It was purchased in 1904 for $1,000.00 and the funds were secured by selling 10 cent tickets to art shows in Erie.The effort was spearheaded by Lovisa Card-Catlin. The painting has hung for 5 generations and survived @ World Wars, the Great depression, Epidemics, the Millcreek Flood and countless government financial crises. Please contact your County Executive Barry Grossman and members of County Council and express your opposition to this band aid auction. Hurry County Council is scheduled to vote to allow this at their August 2nd meeting. Do it now before it’s going….going….GONE..FOREVE​R.

In under four days, the group has expanded to over 550 members, with a petition drive at local galleries and at Thursday night’s Downtown Block Party, with the goal of 999 signatures to be presented to County Council at their meeting August 2nd in Corry.

What’s interesting about this particular group is that it is made of not just elite art benefactors, but a strong cross-section of the Erie populace. Chalk that up to the dynamic personality of Geary, who is Erie’s quintessential Master of Ceremonies, and for decades has brought our far-flung community together, spinning great tunes and sharing good humor.

So, can the power of social media deflect the strong current of expediency and visions of dollar signs? Only your County Council men and women can answer that.