Local artists

Victorene Bates

Victorene was born on Armistice Day 11/11/1918 which brought an end to WW1. The nurses wanted her name to honor the day because it was quite an exciting day, WW1 was over! Some of the nurses wanted her name to be Victory or some other variation, but everyone finally decided on Victorene. So, it was a special name, at a special time in history.

Victorene created many original works of art, including some local scenes from around Whitestown. A few residents of town are lucky enough to own pieces of her artwork. unfortunately there does not appear to be a portfolio of her work, so its hard to say exactly what she painted/drew, how many she painted/drew, and where those pieces may be today.

Her daughter Bonnie doesn't recall when she started signing her paintings by just "Victorene", because she also used to sign "Victorene Bates" during the time she was married, but also signed pieces "Victorene G Bates" for a time. Victorene did not have a middle name, so she used G from her maiden name of Griffiths.

Victorene used to take photos and had a huge file of pictures, clippings and so forth that she would reference for her paintings. Victorene also took inspiration from her travels, and she was fond of the French Quarter in New Orleans, and a trip to France. She also enjoyed going down to Brown County Indiana and doing people's portraits in pastels and chalk, where she would set up along the sidewalk. She would also sell some of her paintings there.

Thankfully there are some known pieces of her work (although we have no idea how many she produced), and I have been gathering any that I am able to find.
I feel beyond blessed to have found and purchased 6 original pieces in an estate auction this week, which I will add to my collection of other originals, and photos of originals that I have not been able to obtain.

I grew up in the same church as Victorene, and have memories of her from my younger days.

Vicky passed away on May 17, 2010 at the age of 91 but she is still remembered fondly by family, friends, and those who enjoy her works of art.

Mike Hancock 10/11/2023

Large painting done by Victorene for St. Marks Lutheran Church

Windswept Farm on 700e. Original home of Ira Hull. Painting owned by Bryce and Patricia Pennington

Pen drawing by Victorene. "Planting day" drawing-Darcy Bates collection

A drawing of the train depot in Whitestown. This drawing belongs to the Jim Gamble collection

Sketch of old Union church by Vicki for 1973 St. Marks book rear cover

Black and white tree owned by Bonnie Bates England. Daughter of Victorene

Painting of Fishback creek by Victorene. Jim Gamble collection

Painting of Cornwell barn on east Pierce by Victorene. Jim Gamble collection

Vicky Bates painting of Boone Count Courthouse. Donated to the Boone County historical society by unknown

Falls oil on canvas 30x24 likely southern Indiana bought by Mike from Pennington estate Oct 2023

Mailpouch barn owned by Bonnie Bates England. Daughter of Victorene

Birds in the snow 12x18 dated May 14 1992 as a wedding gift to Bill and Catherine. Bought by Mike from the Pennington estate

Painting of Jesus done by Vicky using a sponge. This painting is owned by St. Marks Lutheran Church

Newly discovered piece. I happened upon this photo on a google search. This piece was sold in an online auction in November of 2021. Described as being 21.5" W x 27.5"H oil on canvas. It sold for $135