The papers of Sharon F. Patton primarily document her time as the John G.W. Cowles Director of Oberlin College's Allen Art Museum, 1998-2003, and her interest in African and African American Art.

Her interest in collecting popular artwork four of her prints, salt and pepper shaker figurines, and a cotton novelty ornament all based on the subject of African-American stereotype popular artwork. Finally, photographs given to Dr. Patton by Abe Goldsmith of his painting collection are included. It should be noted that this collection primarily concerns Sharon Patton's professional work, and personal correspondence is lacking.

Series I. Biographical File, 1998-2003 (2f) - Restricted

The biographical file contains Dr. Patton's resume and bibliography, letter of application for director of the Allen Memorial Art Museum, and personal statement. Also included here are clippings of articles regarding her acceptance as director of the AMAM and, later, as director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art. Access to this series by permission of the Archivist.

Series II. Correspondence, 1999-2001 (1f)

The correspondence includes thank you notes, invitations, and travel arrangements concerning her professional career.

Series III. Files Relating to Exhibitions, Symposia and Presentations, 1984-2002 (5f)

This series includes six catalogues of projects Patton contributed to: one booklet completed by the Arts in Transit Committee of Cleveland, Ohio, and five from various exhibitions. Also included are her speeches and associated materials (travel arrangements, pamphlets).

Series IV. Instructional Files, 2002 (2f) - Restricted

Sharon Patton's instructional file contains a syllabus of her ART 111-01 Spring 2002 module class "Introduction to African Art". The student's final exams for this course are included. The exams are restricted.

Series V. Stereotype Popular Artwork, 1916-1939 (8 items)

The artwork collected by Sharon Patton is based on the theme of African-American popular stereotypes from the first part of the 20th century. Included are two salt and pepper shaker figurines, a "cotton novelty" ornament, and four prints (three of Aunt Jemima advertisements, and one of a Gold Dust advertisement). The receipts of her purchases (1991,1995) are also included.

Series VI. Writings, 1983-1993, n.d. (2f)

The writings include nine (9) written by Sharon Patton, and two (2) written about her.

Series VII. Photographs (2f)

Included are color photographs given to Sharon Patton by Abe J. Goldsmith of Lake Forest, Illinois. These photos illustrate his art collection, which consists of paintings by African-American artists.

The Sharon F. Patton Papers were donated to the Oberlin College Archives by Patton in two accessions. Accession 2003/015 was received March 17, 2003, and accession 2003/34 was received on July 2, 2003.

Allen Memorial Art Museum Records (RG 9/3)
Faculty File, Sharon Patton, Alumni and Development Records (28/3)
The Sylvia Williams Papers (RG 30/359)