Early oil on canvas by Mel Butor.
Mel attended Cleveland School of Art as a student, and later taught at UW Madison (see bio).
This was Mel's neighborhood/ backyard growing up, which was later torn down to put a freeway through.
It appears children are pulling toy boats on strings through puddles after a storm. Most likely a childhood memory of Mel's.
Signed M. Butor and dated '50 bottom right corner.
Also the beginning of a woman's portrait painted on the vail of the canvas.
Painting has been professionally cleaned, conserved, and a new frame added.
This painting is in the Gallery Collection, and is not for sale at this time.