Jinny Tomozy

Moody Magnolias, Original Painting

2022

Original watercolor painting on 140 lb Arches cold press paper :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: R...

Emma Richardson Cherry (1859 - 1954) Houston Artist Size: 20 x 16 Frame: 22.5 x 18.5 Medium: Oil on Board "Magnolias" Biography Emma Richardson Cherry (1859 - 1954) Emma Richardson Cherry, known as the "Dean of Houston Art," is credited with introducing many Houstonians to fine art. Emma Richardson was born in Aurora, Illinois in 1860. She was recognized as an artist by the age of 18. She met her husband, Dillon Brooke Cherry, while teaching art in Nebraska. Mrs. Cherry studied in New York, Paris, and Italy before moving to Houston in 1892. Cherry began teaching art in her home, and continued to do so for half a century. Cherry organized the Houston Public School Art League* in 1900 with four other art advocates: Mrs. Robert S. Lovett, Miss Lydia Adkisson, Miss Roberta Lavender and Miss Cara Redwood. The group would obtain examples of fine art masterpieces and bring them to the schools. One attempt was not favorably received- a replica plaster of Paris nude Venus de Milo was offered to Central High School; the School Board thought it would corrupt students morals and refused to accept it. The League gave the statue to the public library instead (today it can be seen on the second floor of the Julia Ideson Building). According to one newspaper account, parents would warn their children: "You may go down to the library, my dears, but don't go near that Venus." (Houston Post 4-12-1953) The independent spirit was recognized in a 1923 Houston Chroniclearticle: "Mrs. Cherry's work has always been characterized by an independent spirit and forward-looking attitude." In 1913, the group she had organized shortened their name to the Houston Art League*, setting its sights on raising money to open a fine arts museum in the city. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston opened in 1924. Emma Richardson Cherry was the first woman to have a solo exhibit at the museum. Cherry worked in oil, watercolors, pastels, pencil and charcoal, and considered herself a modernist, but she painted a number of traditional portraits while living in Houston. She is known for her paintings of flowers, and in 1937 did a study of oleanders to be presented to President Franklin Roosevelt during his visit to Galveston. Her four most popular works are of the Texas Republic...