My great-uncle, Alson Skinner Clark, was born in 1876 and arrived with the first wave of Clarks in 1883. He entered the "professional" art market in the age of nine. He had a rare ability to produce drawings for freehand art class, and his classmates who needed his services were willing to pay his price of fifty cents per drawing. This is a vote for those who believe that some gifted individuals are destined to follow a path for which they have flair and talent. Most of his paintings are either oil on canvas or oil on cardboard. He traveled and painted extensively in Europe and also produced a series of paintings documenting the construction of the Panama Canal. In some cases, he took his easel and paints directly to canal excavation sites to capture the subject he had in mind. His later works included scenes from Mexico and California, where he was a recognized member of the plein air movement. I have always favored Impressionist painting, and I consider it no coincidence that I grew up surrounded by art expertly done by a family member in this style. I like that this is not an exact depiction of the subject, but rather an interpretation of the subject by the artist. I find that I appreciate such a work the most when I take a few steps back. He was responsible for all of the murals and most of the artwork found throughout the house. The murals above the downstairs fireplace and in the dining room added to the feeling I had on my first visit of entering a museum. The oriental theme became popular with many artists after Commodore Matthew Perry's visit to Japan in 1853–54. Comfort Island was heavily influenced by this theme, particularly the grass mats which can serve as a medium to support their daily activities. A banner at the top of the mural summarizes the title “Alt Nemoberg”. This mural is like others that have started to flake a little more over the decades. We have done some research on ways to preserve this work of art, but these methods are quite expensive. It's hard for me to guess if the artwork or even the house will survive for future generations to enjoy. I noticed on my way back to the stairs that one of his Japanese murals in the hallway was dated “October 25, 2008.” Having stayed this late in the fall on several occasions myself, I chuckle knowing that the weather can be very inhospitable any time after Labor Day. I imagined Alson and perhaps a few painter friends having cabin fever and taking to painting after several days of cold, rain and north winds that often take aim directly at the porch this time of year..