Drum still bank c. mid 20th century

This charming, small drum-shaped bank was made by the Ohio Art Company from tin. I love how the decoration feels so immediate, like a drawing from a children’s book. There’s a real sense of directness in the way the forms are outlined and filled in with these clear, bright colors, especially that band of aqua framing the design. It’s so simple! The flatness of the surface lets you focus on the shapes and the slightly wonky way they're applied. See how the figure's jaunty hat, the way he struts along with his cane, makes you want to put in a coin? It reminds me of the work of someone like Red Grooms, who also used these kinds of flat, graphic forms to create a sense of playful, childlike wonder. And like all good art, this little bank invites us to see the world with fresh eyes, finding joy and beauty in the everyday. It’s a reminder that art isn't just about what you see, but how you see it.