Oscar W. Peterson

Who was Oscar W. Peterson?

Oscar W. "Pelee" Peterson was an American carver of fish decoys.

His works are the subject of the book - Michigan's Master Carver: Oscar W. Peterson, 1887-1951 by Ronald J. Fritz and can be found in the American Art Museum of the Smithsonian, the Brooklyn Museum and have also been seen in the following exhibits:.

“Hooked On Carving: Oscar W. Peterson” - Michigan State University Museum, 10/24/1982 - 4/10/1983

“Fishing for Art, an Exhibition of the Implements and Art of Angling” American Museum of Fly Fishing at the Addison Gallery of American Art, 3/17/1984 - 4/15/1984

“Gone Fishin ... an Exhibition of the Art & Artifacts of Angling” - Leelanau Historical Museum 6/11/1989-1/29/1990.

“Beneath the Ice: The Art of the Fish Decoy,“ Museum of American Folk Art 2/15/1990- 4/17/1990

Oscar Peterson was extremely prolific, creating more than 15,000 works of art.. He even obtained a US Patent for a certain style of fishing plug. Estimates are that around 1,500 to 2,000 of his art form are still in existence.

Oscar Peterson pieces show up in many places, one even appeared on the TV Show- Antiques Roadshow from Grand Rapids. Prices for Oscar Peterson's work are often very good, especially on his decorative carvings, with one plaque recently selling for as high as $100,000. His fish have been sold at Sotheby's and have obtained prices over $18,000 for a single piece.