Smithsonian Institution. Program in African American Culture Search this
Container:
Box 25, Folder 1
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1996 February 1-3
Scope and Contents:
The conference was cosponsored by the National Association for the Equal
Opportunity in Higher Education, The Office for the Advancement for Public Black Colleges, The College Fund/UNCF, the Anacostia Museum and the Center for African American History and Culture. Funding for the program was made possible in part by a grant from Nissan Motor Corporation, USA.
Mind on Freedon was inspired by research done by Spencer Crew, then Museum director, and Lonnie G. Bunch, then associate director for the National Museum of American History's research, documentation, exhibition and collection project Go Forth and Serve. The conference was designed to examine the relationship African Americans have had with education in the United States, the historical evolution of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the importance of these institutions on the life and culture of this nation. The program was held from Thursday, February 1, through Saturday, February 3, 1996, and it included panel discussions and performances.
Participants:
James D. Anderson, Ph.D., professor and head, Department of Educational Policy Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Bettye J. Gardner, Ph.D., professor of history, Coppin State College; and national president of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History
Phyllis Boanes, Ph.D., associate professor of history; director of the Program of African American Studies, Earlham College
Lonnie G. Bunch, associate director for historical resources, National Museum of American History
Alan K. Colon, Ph.D., assistant to the provost and professor of history, Hampton University
Spencer R. Crew, Ph.D., director of the National Museum of American History
William T. Dargan, Ph.D., professor of music and head of the Department of Music, St. Augustine's College, Raleigh, North Carolina
Willis "Bing" Davis, professor of the School of Art, Central State University
Glenda Dickerson, professor and chair of drama and dance at Spelman College
Richard K. Dozier, Arch. D., AIA, associate dean of the School of Architecture, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida
James C. Early, director of cultural studies and communications, Office of Folklife Programs and Cultural Studies, Smithsonian Institution
James N. Eaton, distinguished professor of history, Florida A&M University; and founder and director of the Black Archives, Research Center and Museum
William P. Foster, Ph.D., chair of the Music Department and director of bands, Florida A&M University
V.P. Franklin, Ph.D., is professor of history, Drexel University
Myrtle Gonza Glascoe, Ed.D., associate professor of educational foundations, School of Education, College of Charleston, South Carolina
Deborah Neman Ham, Ph.D., professor of African history and archival methods, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
Alferdteen Harrison, Ph.D., professor of history and the director of the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center
Darlene Clark Hine, Ph.D., John A. Hannah Professor of History, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
William C. Hine, Ph.D., professor of history, South Carolina State College
Alton Hornsby Jr., Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Professor of History, Morehouse College; editor of the Negro Journal
Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Ph.D., director of the graduate program and associate professor, Department of History, Howard University
Cynthia Neverdon-Morton, Ph.D., professor of history, Coppin State College
Thomas D. Pawley III, Ph.D., faculty member, Department of Speech and Theatre, University of Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri
Linda Marie Perkins, Ph.D., associate professor of educational policy studies, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Bernice Johnson Reagon, Ph.D., distinguished professor of history, American University; and curator emerita, National Museum of American History
Stephanie J. Shaw, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of History and Center for Women's Studies, Ohio State University
Bradley Skelcher, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of History and Political Science, University of Delaware at Dover
J. Clay Smith, J.D., visiting professor, Georgetown Law Center
Jessie Carney Smith, Ph.D., university librarian and William and Camille Cosby Professor, Fisk University
Johnny E. Tolliver, Ph.D., dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and professor of English, Delaware State University at Dover
Eleanor W. Traylor, Ph.D., chairperson and professor, English Department, Howard University
Ronald Walters, Ph.D., professor and chairman, Political Science Department, Howard University
David K. Wiggins, Ph.D., professor of physical education, George Mason University
Daniel Thomas Williams, Ed.D., university archivist and curator, Daniel "Chappie" James Memorial Hall, Tuskegee University
Cultural Presenters
The Howard University Choir, director J. Weldon Norris
The Morgan State University Choir, director Nathan Carter
The Virginia State University Concert Choir, director Johnnella L. Edmonds
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated
Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Jerry Florence, Vice President for brand and consumer marketing for Nissan Motor Corporation, USA
Program number AC0408.96.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of audiovisual materials available in the Archives Center reading room or by requesting copies of audiovisual materials at RightsReproductions@si.edu
Collection Rights:
Copyright restrictions exist. Collection items available for reproduction Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Program in African American Culture Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Papers of sculptor Patricia Johanson include professional and personal correspondence, 1967-1998; writings on public art, articles, and reviews; a transcript of an interview of Johanson conducted by Jan Evans; a copy of a Master's thesis written on Johanson's sculpture; clippings, exhibition catalogs and announcements; and photographs of Johanson and her work. The collection measures 1.5 linear feet and dates from 1964 to 1998.
Scope and Content Note:
Papers of sculptor Patricia Johanson include professional and personal correspondence, 1967-1998; writings on public art, articles, and reviews; a transcript of an interview of Johanson conducted by Jan Evans; a copy of a Master's thesis written on Johanson's sculpture; clippings, exhibition catalogs and announcements; and photographs of Johanson and her work. The collection measures 1.5 linear feet and dates from 1964 to 1998.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged as 5 series:
Missing Title
Series 1: Biographical Material, 1975-1997 (Box 1; 1 folder)
Series 2: Correspondence, 1967-1998, n.d. (Box 1; 17 folders)
Series 3: Writings, 1968-1997, n.d. (Box 1 and OV 3; 7 folders)
Series 4: Printed Material, 1966-1998, n.d. (Boxes 1-2 and OV 3; 12 folders)
Series 5: Photographs, 1962-1996, n.d. (Box 2 and OV 3; 8 folders)
Biographical Note:
Patricia Johanson, born in 1940, is an environmental sculptor and architect who creates large scale public works to solve environmental problems and create habitat and public recreational space. She graduated from Bennington College in 1962 and earned an M.A. in art history at Hunter College (1964). Johanson took civil engineering classes at New York's City College School of Architecture, earning a Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 1977. Inspired by the enormous canvases of the Abstract Expressionists, Johanson created huge sculptures such as Stephen Long (1968) which went beyond the field of vision and interacted with the environment. Johanson designed sculpture for Con Edison's Indian Point Nuclear Generating Plant (1972), the Whitney Colleges at Yale University (1972), and Columbus East High School, Columbus, Indiana (1973). Her architectural projects include Fair Park Lagoon in Dallas, Texas (1981-1982), Tidal Sculpture Garden for Pelham Bay Park in New York (1984), and the San Fransisco baywalk which transformed a new sewer into a public amenity and work of art. Her Park for the Amazon Rainforest (1992), commissioned for the Earth Summit, is an environmental sculpture that provides access from ground level up through the forest canopy along the Amazon River near Obidos, Brazil. Johanson's more recent projects include a master plan and ecological playgrounds for Ulsan Dragon Park (1996), a 912-acre site in South Korea, and the Rocky Marciano Trail and Salisbury River Greenway in Brockton, Massachusetts. Her husband is art historian Eugene C. Goossen.
Provenance:
Patricia Johanson donated her papers in 1975, 1983, 1989, 1997, and 1998.
Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment.
Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Occupation:
Sculptors -- New York (State) -- New York Search this
The Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection documents the prestigious and groundbreaking career of one of the early women architects who also broke ground for African American architects as well. The collection highlights Sklarek's journey and accomplishments as she paved the way for future women architects and architects of color. The collection is comprised of family records, resumes, business ephemera, photographs, correspondence, publications, clippings, architectural drawings, as well as her many awards and accolades.
Arrangement:
The materials in this collection have been separated into eight series. The materials have been ordered and organized based on the content and chronology. Within each series and subseries, the folders are organized as close to the collection's original order as when it was acquired.
Biographical / Historical:
Norma Merrick Sklarek was a renowned architect and a woman of firsts who broke racial and gender barriers earning her place in the male-dominated world of architecture. She was the first Black woman member and esteemed fellow of the highly respected architectural professional organization, American Institute of Architects (AIA). Norma was distinguished in her career for leading challenging assignments and managing large, complex construction projects.
Norma Merrick was born April 15, 1926 to Dr. Walter Ernest Merrick, and Amelia (Amy) Willoughby in Harlem, New York City, New York. Her parents had emigrated from Trinidad, though her father was born in St. Vincent, West Indies. Norma's parents were a part of the first significant Caribbean immigration waves to the United States in the early 20th century. Arriving just a year before her birth, her parents saw possibility and education there. Her father, Walter attended Howard University and eventually became a physician. While her mother, Amy worked as a seamstress in a factory to make ends meet as Walter "wasn't much of a businessman" as described by Norma in an oral history interview. He practiced medicine in Harlem, New York. Norma stated that her father often served as a physician to African American celebrities such as Hazel Scott, Ethel Waters and Art Tatum. Walter was also a talented musician and carpenter that supported his daughter's love of art and math and encouraged her to pursue a career in architecture.
Around 1940, Norma was enrolled at the prestigious Hunter College High School for the intellectually gifted and "Ivy League-bound" young women. Excelling academically, Norma attended Barnard University, the prestigious women's college formerly administered by Columbia University. She attended Barnard initially in order to gain a year of a liberal arts education so that she could be accepted into then-known Columbia University School of Architecture. In 1947, she met and married, Dumas Flagg Ransom, law student at nearby Wagner University. She subsequently gave birth to her first son, Gregory Merrick Ransom shortly thereafter. She graduated from Columbia in 1950 with a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree. She was one of only two women and the only African American in her graduating class.
Despite her Columbia University pedigree, her race and gender made it predictably difficult to obtain employment. Norma easily recalls in an oral history interview later in life that she was turned down by nineteen prospective employers. It was on the twentieth interview with the Department of Public Works (DPW) that she was hired as a junior draftsperson for New York City. She passed her architecture licensing examination in 1954 becoming the first Black woman believed to be licensed to practice architecture in New York. Despite a poor recommendation from her DPW supervisor, she worked briefly at Katz, Waisman, Blumenkranz, Stein and Weber as a junior associate. She felt stifled and unchallenged and left that firm to do some rendering coloring work with notable New York architect, Bob Schwartz. In 1955, she started working at notable architectural firm, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) in New York City where she was given larger-scale projects. At the same time, she taught architecture courses at New York City Community College (presently called the New York City College of Technology) located in Brooklyn, NY. She was the school's first woman faculty member. It was also during her tenure at SOM that Norma joined AIA and inadvertently became the organization's first African American woman member. She was a member of the Council for the Advancement of the Negro in Architecture, a New York-based group. During all this groundbreaking work, Norma was a twice-divorced mother of two sons with the birth of her second son, David Merrick Fairweather from her union with Benjamin Fairweather. Norma depended on the assistance of her family in raising her sons while she worked and advanced her career.
In an effort to advance her career, Norma moved to Los Angeles, California to work with architectural firm, Gruen Associates in 1960. A requisite for an architect in California, Norma became the first Black woman to be a licensed architect in the state. Gruen Associates, founded by visionary Austrian architect Victor Gruen, was notable for their pioneering work with shopping malls and multi-use buildings. At Gruen, in 1965 she earned the director of architecture position where she was responsible for hiring and overseeing multiple staff members as well as serving as project manager on several high-profile projects for the firm.
Her projects included the high-rise multi-use building California Mart (1963), now known as California Market Center; skyscraper Fox Plaza (1966) in San Francisco and some of Norma's most notable work for Gruen, The Pacific Design Center (1975), a multi-use facility utilized by the California's bustling apparel and fashion industry. Norma's contributary design is affectionately known by California's locals as the "Blue Whale." Norma worked on the latter project with Gruen's lead architect at the time, Cesar Pelli, known for some of the world's tallest buildings, most notably World Finance Center (Brookfield Place) in New York City. Pelli also shared his credit with Norma for her exemplary contribution to the renovation and redesign of the San Bernardino City Hall (1972) in California as well as their work on the U.S. Embassy (1976) in Tokyo, Japan. While at Gruen, Norma married Rolf Sklarek, a fellow architect at the firm. She also taught architecture courses at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC). At UCLA, she was the first African American member of the faculty.
In 1980, she was finally recognized for all of her trailblazing and innovative work, when she became the first African American woman elected to the AIA College of Fellows. The highest honor within the architecture profession. This prestigious award gave her assurance that she could take her career to another level. She departed Gruen for Welton Becket & Associates, a prominent California firm renowned for iconic music and cultural centers, including the iconic Capitol Records building in Los Angeles. Norma was appointed as the vice president of the firm and lead project manager on one of her most notable works, Terminal One at the Los Angeles International Airport. She was recognized for the timely completion of the project as preparation for the influx of travelers to Los Angeles the for the 1984 Olympic Games. Norma also suffered the loss of her husband, Rolf Sklarek, the same year.
It was her work from the Los Angeles Airport project that empowered Norma to break yet another barrier. 1985 proved to be significant year as she became first African American woman to found and co-own a woman-owned architectural firm. Norma collaborated with fellow veteran architects Margot Siegal and Katherine Diamond to create Siegel-Sklarek-Diamond (SSD). SSD was one of the largest woman-owned architecture firms at the time. Their largest project was the Tarzana Promenade, a 90,000 sq. ft. medical and retail center, and the remodel and renovation of the Lawndale Civic Center; both located in California. Norma also designed work for the proposed Marva Collins Preparatory School in Compton, CA. The school was named after seminal educator, Marva Collins that had revolutionized education for low-income students in a crime-ridden area in Chicago, Ill. The hope was the replicate Collins' important work for children in Compton.
Being a new firm amidst the prevalence of racism and sexism within the profession left SSD at a disadvantage. Their projects were mainly residential and smaller commercial projects that didn't bring the income and accompanying challenges like larger scaled projects. Sklarek left SSD in 1989 for Jerde Partnership, an established innovator in the design and construction of shopping malls around the world. Norma was hired as the principal on the project management for the design and construction of the Mall of America. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, it is considered to be the largest shopping mall in United States.
In 1992, Norma retired from the profession but did not resign herself to stop working. Norma became an active advocate in broadening the profession to include more women and people of color. She focused her work on teaching, lecturing, and mentoring. Over the years, she served as faculty and lecturer at several universities including UCLA, USC, University of Iowa, Kansas State University, California Polytechnic as well as her alma mater Columbia University. In an effort to inspire Black architects, Norma regularly lectured at HBCUs including Howard University, Hampton University, Tuskegee University, and Southern University.
Sklarek's work was recorded and recognized by the black press and publishers, such as her being included in Ebony magazine as early as 1958, in their article on "Successful Young Architects." In 2008, the AIA awarded her with the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award that recognizes architects who represented the profession's responsibility to address social issues. She also served on multiple professional boards and committees, such as the California Architects Board, Professional Qualifications Committee, California State Board of Architectural Examiners, the AIA National Ethics Council and many more.
On February 6, 2012, Sklarek died in the Pacific Palisades, California at the age of 85. She was survived by her husband Cornelius Welch, whom she married in 1985; her son, David Merrick Fairweather, stepdaughter Susan Welch as well as three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Gregory Merrick Ransom in 2006.
Historical Timeline
1926 -- Norma Merrick was born to Amy Willoughby and Walter Merrick in Harlem, New York.
1944 -- Graduated from Hunter College High School, New York, NY
1944-1945 -- Attended Barnard College, New York, NY
1945-1950 -- Attended Columbia University in New York City earning a bachelor's degree in architecture (B.Arch.).
1947 -- Married Dumas Flagg Ransom and had son, Gregory Merrick Ransom. They later divorced.
1950 -- Married Elwyn (Benjamin) Fairweather and had son, David Merrick Fairweather. They later divorced.
1950-1955 -- Worked at the Department of Public Works, New York, NY
1954 -- Licensed in the state of New York; believed to be the first black woman architect licensed in New York
1959 -- First African American woman member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
1955-1960 -- Worked at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill in New York, NY
1957-1960 -- Architecture faculty member at New York City Community College, Brooklyn, NY
1960 -- Married Francis "Harry" Pena in New York, NY. Moved to California and began working at Gruen Associates and served as the Director of Architecture until 1980.
1962 -- First African American woman architect licensed in California
1963 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction of the California Mart, Los Angeles, CA.
1966 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction Fox Plaza in San Francisco, CA.
1967 -- Sklarek divorced Pena and married Rolf Sklarek, a fellow architect at Gruen Associates.
1970 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction of the Park Center Commercial Complex in San Jose, CA .
1972-1973 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction of the San Bernardino, City Hall in San Bernardino, CA.
1973 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction of Commons-Courthouse Center in Columbus, IN.
1973-1978 -- Served as faculty member in the UCLA School of Architecture and Urban Planning
1976 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction of the U. S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
1978 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction of Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, CA.
1980 -- First African American woman fellow of the AIA
1980-1985 -- Worked as VP and project manager at Welton Becket & Associates in Santa Monica, CA
1984 -- Sklarek working with Welton Becket Associates coordinated the design and construction of Terminal One at the Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA. Rolf Sklarek died in February.
1985 -- Sklarek along with Margot Siegal and Katherine Diamond formed their own firm, Siegel- Sklarek-Diamond. Sklarek married Dr. Cornelius Welch.
1989 -- Left the Siegel-Sklarek-Diamond and joined The Jerde Partnership, in Venice, CA, as the principal project manager.
1989-1992 -- Sklarek coordinated the design and construction of the Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN.
1992 -- Retired from The Jerde Partnership
2003-2007 -- Served as commissioner on the California State Board of Architectural Examiners
2008 -- Awarded American Institute of Architects' Whitney M. Young Jr. Award
2012 -- Norma Merrick Sklarek died in the Pacific Palisades, California at the age of 85.
Provenance:
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of David Merrick Fairweather and Yvonne Goff
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Letter to Sklarek from Sheryl Tircuit and Clyde Wood, Black Students Committee Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Los Angeles California from
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Letter to William Stanley AIA NOMA president on Congress of African American Architects from Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA Dean of Howard University School of Architecture and Planning
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
The Congress of African American Architects Paradigms for a Different Future by Dean Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA AICP Dean Howard University School of Architecture
Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The NMAAHC Archives can provide reproductions of some materials for research and educational use. Copyright and right to publicity restrictions apply and limit reproduction for other purposes.
Collection Citation:
Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection, 1944-2008. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Access to NMAI Archive Center collections is by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Please contact the archives to make an appointment (phone: 301-238-1400, email: nmaiarchives@si.edu).
Collection Rights:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish or broadcast materials from the collection must be requested from the National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center. Please submit a written request to nmaiarchives@si.edu.
Collection Citation:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Museum of the American Indian/Heye Foundation Records, Box and Folder Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.
( New Art Examiner Dec. 1990 issue, cover article on CARA; dissertation proposal, "'Mi Casa [No] Es Su Casa': The Cultural Politics of the Chicano Art: Resistance and Affirmation, 1965-1985 Exhibit", Alicia Gaspar de Alba, University of New Mexico, 1992; "The Power of Place" (UCLA Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Planning Embassy Auditorium public art project) proposal for Rockefeller Foundation funding: cover letter, 08/16/1990, narrative proposal, budget, supporting materials; "Artes de México" Festival: memo to committee, 08/27/1990, list of committee members, fax, 09/20/1990; press release; invitation to lecture focusing on "The Contadora Process and the Beyond War Award"; Texas Small Press Book Fair announcement; calendar from Sacramento City Councilman Joe Serna; Mississippi American Festival Project calendaer of events; CARA exhibition calendar of events, Fresno Art Museum; clippings; May/June 1993 issue of La Peña: Latino Arts News)
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research. Use requires an appointment and is limited to the Washington, D.C. research facility.
Collection Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Collection Citation:
Tomás Ybarra-Frausto research material, 1965-2004. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Writings, art work, miscellaneous items, and photographs were received from the Estate of Sally Kent Gorton in 2001. Although not physically integrated with the main portion of the collection, this addition to the Rockwell Kent papers is described with the appropriate series in the online edition of the finding aid.
Writings consist of Kent's continuation of his autobiography It's Me, O Lord! (1995). The unpublished 185 page manuscript written between 1955 and 1971 recounts the artist's travels, exhibitions, and political activities during the 1950s and 1960s. Among the art work there are many drawings and sketches in pencil and ink, of miscellaneous subjects and various projects circa 1920-1939 including figure studies, landscapes and illustrations for various books by Kent. Also included are a color lithograph study for a war poster, circa 1941, and Kent's 1968 costume and set designs for Benjamin Britten's opera Peter Grimes, along with a recording of Peter Grimes and its libretto. Photographs of people include formal and informal portraits of Rockwell Kent, Kent with others, and each of his wives; other individuals portrayed are Ted R. Lambert and Eugene Vuchatich. Other subjects include views of Asgaard Farm, the rebuilt Kent house at AuSable Forks, NY, and Kent's grave.
Kent presented the manuscripts for most of his books to the USSR, along with the Kent Collection. Included in this series are drafts, notes, and completed manuscripts for monographs, articles, speeches, book reviews, catalog texts and introductory essays, and miscellaneous writings (often unidentified) by Kent. Manuscripts are arranged chronologically, with undated items arranged alphabetically by title. Also included at the end of the series are a small number of manuscripts by other authors.
The unpublished continuation of Kent's autobiography It's Me, O Lord! was received from the estate of his widow, Sally Kent Gorton, 2001.
See Appendix for an itemized list of writings from Series 2.
Arrangement note:
The bulk of this series has been scanned. Poems and political statements written by other authors have not been scanned.
Appendix: Writings from Series 2:
Writings by Rockwell Kent"Men as Animals," 1906-1912
"The False Life," 1906-1912
"True Life," 1906-1912
"A Tragedy of Newfoundland," 1914 (with 1961 revision)
"Alaska Drawings by Rockwell Kent, With a letter from Rockwell Kent to Christian Brinton, M. Knoedler & Co.," 1919
"Greenland for the Painters," 1919
"Art," 1919
"The Tierra del Fuego Journal of Rockwell Kent," 1922
"Voyaging," 1924
"Tristan and Iseult," 1927
"George W. Bellows: His Lithography," 1927
"A Social Evolutionist's View of the War," 1928
Introduction to book about Patagonia, 1931
"Alias Kent by Hogarth, Jr.." 1933
"Rockwellkentiana," 1933
Greenland journal in the form of letters to Frances, 1934-1935
"What Is an American?," 1936
"In the Name of the Great Jehovah," 1936
Van Loon Review, 1937
"What Is an American?" (revised version), 1938
"People's Platform," 1938
"Good Old Loyalty," 1938
"Original Etchings, Lithographs and Woodcuts by American Artists published by the American Artists Group, Inc." (review), 1938
"Introduction by Rockwell Kent to 'Story of the White Collar Worker' by Giacomo Patri," 1940
Introduction to "Portinari and His Art," 1940
"Rockwell Kent: A Short Autobiography," 1940
"Rockwell Kent at Bookshop," 1940
"Statement by Rockwell Kent," 1940
"Introduction to Book on the Work of Candido Portinari," 1940
"Louis Untermeyer," 1940
Love poem to Sally (untitled, illustrated), 1940
"Outline of Address Delivered by Rockwell Kent," 1940
"To Louis and Esther" (poem), 1940
"Christmas 1940" (poem), 1940
"Review of -- Kabloona -- by Gontran de Poncins," 1941
"Portion of Address for Delivery June 5th at National Conference of Social Work, by Rockwell Kent," 1941
"Radio Address, by Rockwell Kent, to Be Delivered at Progressive Librarians Council Broadcast, Sunday, June 22nd," 1941
"Statement on Nazi-Soviet War, by Rockwell Kent," 1941
" 'The Intent of the Artist,' reviewed by Rockwell Kent," 1941
"A Northern Christmas," 1941
"Outline of Address for Fourth American Writers Congress," 1941
"Editorial for -- Junior Guide -- of International Workers Order," 1941
"Introduction to Book-Plate Catalog," 1941
"Article for Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc. Year Book," 1941
"Introduction for Catalog of American Library of Color Slides," 1941
"Statement for American Council on Soviet Relations," 1941
"To Sally" (illustrated poem), 1941
"Article for UOPWA News," 1942
"Introduction to Catalog of Rockwell Kent Exhibition at the Wildenstein Galleries," 1942
"Tierra del Fuego," 1942
Article for -- Script -- , 1942
"Introduction to Democracy," 1942
"Statement for Use of Artists League of America," 1942
"Introduction by Rockwell Kent to 'Silk Screen Stenciling as a Fine Art,'" 1942
"On Earth Peace," 1942
"Foreword by Rockwell Kent to -- American Pioneer Arts & Artists -- by Carl Drepperd," 1942
"Article for Use of American Russian Cultural Association Inc. in -- Novosselye -- ," 1942
"WQXR Broadcast 'Other Peoples's Business Program,'" 1943
"Article for Use of the Alumni of the Columbia School of Architecture," 1943
"Art and the People," 1943
"Article for AAA News," 1943
"Statement to AP, UP, -- Herald Tribune, Times, Daily Worker -- on Death of Art Young," 1943
"To Sally" (poem), 1943
"Statement by Rockwell Kent, Famous Landscape and Figure Painter and Wood Engraver, on the Presentation of His Mural-- -- Airplane View of America at Peace-- -- to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce"
"Article on Art Young, For Use of -- New Masses -- Memorial Number," 1944
"Article for Use of the American Artists Group," 1944
"Memorandum on the Proposed Organization for the Publication of Reproductions of American Art," 1944
" -- Arctic Fish Story -- by Otto Wm. Geist" (book review), 1944
"Article for Use of -- Tomorrow -- ," 1944
"Review of -- Horizon Is Calling -- by Taro Yashima," 1944
"Opening Address, Seventh General Convention, IWO," 1944
Obituary of mother, Sarah Holgate Kent, 1944
"Statement for Use of Philadelphia Council of American-Soviet Friendship," 1944
"To Voters of the Thirty-Third New York Congressional District," 1944
"Introduction ALA Fourth Annual Exhibition Catalog," 1944
"Introduction by Rockwell Kent, -- Drawings by American Artists -- ," 1944
" -- Mathematical Basis of the Arts -- , by Joseph Schillinger, Reviewed by Rockwell Kent," 1944
"We Hold These Truths," 1944
"Review for the -- New Masses -- of Steffanson's -- Greenland -- ," 1944
"Synopsis: -- This Is My Own -- by Rockwell Kent," 1944
"Story for -- Readers Digest -- 'Life in America' Series," 1944
"Greetings to the Red Army & Navy," 1944
"Introduction for -- This Is Our War -- Catalog," 1944
"Art with a Little a," 1944
"Small Town War," 1944
"How Not to Get a Seeder," 1944
"Statement for use of International Workers Order," 1945
"Introduction for Exhibition Catalog," 1945
"Shadows of Evening," 1945
"Stories for -- Readers Digest -- 'Life in America' Series," 1945
"Article for Use of Vet," 1946
"Statement for Use of Artists for Action," 1946
"The Artist in America Today," 1946
"Rockwell Kent Biographical Sketch for Use of General Electric Company," 1946
"Statement for Use of International Workers Order," 1947
"John Trumbull" and "Frederick Remington," supplementary text for -- World Famous Paintings -- , 1947
"To Thee" (history of the Rahr Malting Co.), 1947
"We Hold These Truths" (articles for use of -- Fraternal Outlook -- ), 1948
" -- The Mathematical Basis of the Arts -- , by Joseph Schillinger, Reviewed by R.K. for -- Music News -- ," 1948
"Radio Script--O. John Rogge Program, Tuesday, July 12, 1948, Introduction by Rockwell Kent," 1948
"An Artist in Politics," 1948
"Text of Address to Be Given by Rockwell Kent at Meeting of Business and Professional Women's Club, Plattsburgh, N.Y.," 1948
"Radio Script, Rockwell Kent Address at Skidmore College Forum," 1948
"Radio Address to Be Given by Rockwell Kent, American Labor Party Candidate for Congress, 33d District, New York," 1948
"Radio Script, Christmas Greetings from Rockwell Kent for Arthur Gaeth Program," 1948
"Wallace Speech," 1948
"To Voters of the Thirty-Third New York Congressional District," 1948
"Rsum of Still-Born Address to World Congress for Peace, Paris, 1949," 1949
"Statement on Conviction of the Twelve by Rockwell Kent (for Use of the International Workers Order)," 1949
"We Hold These Truths" (articles for use by -- Fraternal Outlook -- ), 1949
"Introduction by Rockwell Kent to -- Southern Cross -- , by Lawrence O. Hyde," 1950
"We Hold These Truths" (article for use of the -- Fraternal Outlook -- ), 1950
"Article for Use of VOKS," 1950
"Copy for Sabattis Ranch Booklet (Rough Draft)," 1950
"Radio Address Delivered by Rockwell Kent Sunday, April 15, 1950, Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.," 1950
"Greetings from Rockwell Kent to the Congress of the Peoples for Peace," 1952
Article for Use of International Workers Order, 1952
"Stenographic Record of a Meeting of the VOKS Section of Fine Arts," 1953
"Statement by Rockwell Kent" (re: McCarthy hearings), 1953
"Christmas Record 1953," 1953
"Place Card Poems--New Year's Eve, 1953," 1953
"Silas Timberman -- , by Howard Fast, Reviewed by Rockwell Kent for Use of -- New World Review -- ," 1954
"Realism in Art by Sidney Finkelstein, Reviewed by Rockwell Kent for Use of -- Masses & Mainstream -- ," 1954
Unpublished continuation of autobiography, -- It's Me, O Lord! -- (1955), recounting the artist's travels, exhibitions and political activities during the 1950s and 1960s, circa 1955-1971
"Article for Publication in the USSR," 1957
"Article for Use of -- New World Review -- ," 1957
"Article for Use of -- New World Review -- ," 1958
Trip Book (diary detailing trip to USSR), 1958
"Article for Use of -- Standard Times -- (New Bedford, Mass.)," 1959
"Of Men and Mountains," 1959
"Remarks for Tolstoi Jubilee," 1960
"Gift of Peace--An Account of Rockwell Kent's Presentation of a Collection of His Works to the People of the Soviet Union," 1961
"Article for Use of -- New World Review -- ," 1962
"Statement for November 26th Meeting, NCASF, by Rockwell Kent," 1962
"To Major Gherman Titov, Greeting!" 1962
"World Conference on Disarmament and Peace--Statement by Rockwell Kent," 1962
"Message for November 28th Carnegie Hall Meeting of National Council of American-Soviet Friendship from Rockwell Kent," undated
"The Missing Lynx, New Light on Human Nature, Told by the Lynx. (`Might Is Right und Lynx Ist Rechts'.)," undated
"The Most Unforgettable Character I Have Ever Met," undated
"Notes by Rockwell Kent for Use of Miss Marie B. Ryan, Editor of the -- Sketch Book of Kappa pi -- in an Article Titled: `The Things I Wish They'd Taught Me'," undated
"Nuremberg--And After," undated
"On Being Famous," undated
"On the Writings of Rockwell Kent," undated
"Original Page of -- Salamina -- Manuscript," undated
"Preface," undated
"Preface to the Monhegan Edition," undated
"Proposal for the Solution of the Liquor Problem," undated
"Review, by Rockwell Kent, of -- The Game of Death -- ," undated
"Review of -- Eskimo -- , by Peter Freuchen," undated
"Rockwell Kent," undated
"Rockwell Kent Biographical Data," undated
" -- Salome -- , by Oscar Wilde. -- Inventions -- , by John Vassos. -- The Marriage of Heaven and Hell -- , by William Blake" (book review), undated
"A Second Preface--Eleven Years Later," undated
"Speech for Opening of Exhibition," undated
"Statement for November 26th Meeting, NCASF," undated
"Statement for Use of National Council for American-Soviet Friendship," undated
"Statement for Use of the Teachers Union," undated
"Statement on 'American Art Today,'" undated
"Statement on the Arrest of the Communist Leaders," undated
"Story for -- Reader's Digest -- 'Life in America' Series," undated
"Text for -- The Lovers -- , Wood Engraving by Rockwell Kent" undated
"Unpublished Manuscript," undated
"Vegetarianism," undated
"We Hold these Truths" (Article for Use of -- Fraternal Outlook -- , by Rockwell Kent), (2 separate articles), undated
"What Home Means to Me," undated
"When I Was a Teener," undated
"Winslow Homer at Prout's Neck" (draft of book review by Kent), undated
" -- Winslow Homer at Prout's Neck -- , by P. Beam," undated
Greenland Journal -- , undated
"A Voyager's Log, Part II," undated
Wilderness -- , undated
World Famous Paintings -- , undated
Untitled, undated
Poems, undated
Fragments and Miscellaneous Notes, undated
Writings by Sarah Holgate Kent [mother]"The Little I Know of My Ancestors. As Far Back As I Can Remember," 1941
Writings by Sally Kent (Gorton)"Monhegan Notebook," 1950
"Article for R.K. Memorial Booklet--First Rough Draft," 1971
"Article for Rockwell Kent Memorial Portfolio," 1971
" -- Bulgaria Today: The Land and the People -- , by William Cary" (review), 1971
"Greeting for World Peace Council Meeting, Budapest--First Rough," 1971
"Greeting in Memory of Rockwell Kent for World Peace Council, Meeting in Budapest--3d Best," 1971
"Greeting in Memory of Rockwell Kent for World Peace Council, Meeting in Budapest--2d Best," 1971
"The Happiest Day," 1971
Drafts of Memoir ("Introduction," "Living on and off--The Land!," "Memoirs," "Chapter I--Save, Use," "First Chapter--Passages to Add Perhaps," "Chapter 2," "1971 Later--31 Years Later," "Use," "July 3, 1972"), 1971
Memoir Notes ("Monhegan Notes," "Notes and Quotes for Use in Book--'Rockwell Kent--Some Fireside Reminiscences,' " "Possibly for Use," "Random Notes," "R.K. on Homes"), 1971
"Suggested Copy: -- New York Times -- Ad to Be Sponsored by Committee of Concerned Citizens" ("Rockwell Kent's Engagement with Life"--Draft), 1971
"Rockwell Kent's Engagement with Life for Use of -- American Dialogue -- ," 1971
"Rockwell Kent--Glimpses" (notes), 1971
"The Making of -- It's Me, O Lord -- , Draft," 1974
"The Making of -- It's Me, O Lord -- For Use in -- The Kent Collector -- ," 1974
"And Now Monhegan Again!," 1977
"The Jay Taxpayers Association in 1933: A Good Fight," 1977
"Muddling Through" (shorthand), 1978
"Dedication Words" (notes, some in shorthand), 1978
"Rockwell Kent Gallery Dedication Words," 1978
"Story" (shorthand), 1978
"Story 'In the Drawer' for Time Being," 1978
"The Happiest Day," undated
Poem, undated
Writings by Others About KentReviews of Books by Rockwell Kent, 1931-1941
Poems, undated
"The Beautiful American," undated
"Biographical Notes--Rockwell Kent," undated
" -- It's Me, O Lord -- , Introduction, On Rockwell Kent and His Autobiography," undated
"Kent--The Writer," undated
"Message by Y. A. Malik on the Occasion of the Opening of the Exhibition of Soviet and American Prints," undated
"Part One, Books Written and Illustrated by Rockwell Kent, by Dan Burne Jones," undated
Collection Restrictions:
The microfilm of this collection has been digitized and is available online via AAA's website. Use of material not microfilmed or digitized requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Collection Citation:
Rockwell Kent papers, circa 1840-1993, bulk 1935-1961. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Use of original papers requires and appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C. Research Center. Contact Reference Services for more information.
Collection Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Collection Citation:
Hildreth Meière papers, 1901-2011, bulk 1911-1960. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Sponsor:
Funding for the digitization of 84 reels of motion picture film in the collection was provided by The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University through a generous grant from the Ruth Dayton Foundation. Glass plate negatives in this collection were digitized in 2019 with funding provided by the Smithsonian Women's Committee.
The Jack Stewart papers are dated 1926-2010 and measure 9.9 linear feet and 7.31 GB. A significant portion of the collection concerns Stewart's dissertation, "Subway Graffiti: An Aesthetic Study of Graffiti on the Subway" (New York University, 1989), related research, writings, and exhibitions on the subject. Biographical materials, correspondence, writings, printed and digital material, artwork, sketchbooks, and photographic materials document his career as a painter, muralist, designer, educator and administrator.
Scope and Content Note:
The Jack Stewart papers are dated 1926-2010 and measure 9.9 linear feet and 7.31 GB. A significant portion of the collection concerns Stewart's dissertation, "Subway Graffiti: An Aesthetic Study of Graffiti on the Subway" (New York University, 1989), related research, writings, and exhibitions on the subject. Biographical materials, correspondence, writings, printed and digital material, artwork, sketchbooks, and photographic materials document his career as a painter, muralist, designer, educator and administrator.
Biographical materials include a "Video Archive" in digital format, consisting mainly of Jack Stewart being interviewed on several occasions by Nancy Gold for her television show, "What It Takes." In addition to discussions about Stewart's career, the shows include examples of his paintings and murals along with views of him at work.
Correspondence mostly documents Stewart's artistic career and work as an educator and administrator; there is some personal correspondence, as well. Of particular note are letters to Rodman Townsend who commissioned a mural about the human brain; they discuss the details of the project and its evolution, brain research, and subsequent exhibitions of related paintings. Illustrated letters and greeting cards with original artwork are from Violet Baxter, Lorrie Goulet, Wolf Kahn, Clare Romano, Anthony Toney, and Sam Weiner. Herbert Brooks Walker sent several pieces of mail art and, while in Italy, collected graffiti information for Stewart. Letters Stewart wrote to his mother span decades; the best represented periods are the years he served in the U.S. Army and studied at Yale University.
Writings and notes consist of Stewart's dissertation ("Subway Graffiti: An Aesthetic Study of Graffiti on the Subway"), miscellaneous writings and notes, and art and architecture notebooks. Dissertation documentation includes the manuscript, drafts, and related records. Among the miscellaneous writings and notes - published and unpublished - are shorter pieces, articles, student papers, and teaching notes. Of particular interest are notes/instructions for a performance piece titled "Endless Subway," "Memories of Steffan Thomas" and "My Recollection of Charles Egan." Also found are minutes of Cooper Union adjunct faculty meetings (1965-1966), and reports written when provost of the Rhode Island School of Design. Art and architecture notebooks (5 volumes) were compiled while at Yale University.
Research files on graffiti contain many sound recordings and some transcripts of interviews with graffiti writers, voluminous lists of graffiti writers' names/tags, correspondence, notes, photographs, and a wide variety of printed material. Some of the material is in digital format. Stewart began collecting these materials as his interest in graffiti developed. They were used for his dissertation and material continued to be added after the dissertation was completed.
Printed material mentioning Stewart or containing reproductions of his work includes exhibition catalogs, posters, and newsletters.
Artwork by Jack Stewart consists of drawings, paintings, and one etching; also found are designs and plans for tables, murals, and other projects. Drawings include figure studies, heads, and landscapes; most are in pencil and some in ink. The small number of paintings are oil on canvas (removed from stretchers), and gouache on paper and board. Sketchbooks (44 volumes) contain mostly pencil drawings and sketches, and a few studies for paintings and murals. Two volumes include writings about travels and events; of particular interest are "Notes on Kline's funeral May 1962," "Visit to Roman Bronze Art Foundry," and "Notes on My Development."
Photographic materials consist mainly photographs, but also include digital images and 35-mm color slides. Images of Stewart include views of him with paintings and working in his studio. Identified individuals with whom he appears are: Regina Stewart (wife), Brandon Stewart (son), Lil Stewart (mother), Ninalee Craig, Irving Sandler, and students in Urbino, Italy. Photographs of artwork document murals such as Raw Material (composed of shirt labels), and Versailles Hotel in Miami Beach; among the paintings documented are State of the Union, Icons of Western Art and Revelation XVI-16 (both with keys to individuals portrayed). Exhibition openings and installations are shown in photographs, color slides, and video recordings. Also found are photographs of the World Trade Center site taken by Stewart in December 2001.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged as 9 series:
Series 1: Biographical Materials, 1926-circa 2009 (Boxes 1,11; 0.6 linear foot, ER01-ER02, 3.92 GB)
Series 2: Correspondence, 1944-2009 (Boxes 1-2; 0.7 linear foot)
Series 3: Writings and Notes, circa 1947-2003 (Boxes 2-5; 3.1 linear foot)
Series 4: Research Files on Graffiti, 1972-2010 (Boxes 5-7,11; 2.8 linear foot, ER03-ER05, 3.18 GB)
Series 5: Printed Material, circa 1945-2002 (Boxes 8, 11, OV 13; 0.7 linear foot)
Series 6: Scrapbooks, circa 1990-2003 (Box 8; 0.2 linear foot)
Series 7: Artwork, 1946-2000 (Boxes 8, 11, OV 12; 0.3 linear foot)
Series 8: Sketchbooks, 1951-2004 (Boxes 8-9; 1.3 linear foot)
Series 9: Photographic Materials, circa 1950s-2010 (Boxes 10-11; 0.4 linear foot, ER06-ER07, 0.208 GB)
Biographical Note:
Jack Stewart (1926-2005) was a painter, muralist, designer, educator and administrator in New York City. After developing an interest in graffiti in the 1970s, Stewart eventually wrote a dissertation on the subject, "Subway Graffiti: An Aesthetic Study of Graffiti on the Subway" (New York University, 1989) and was recognized as an expert on mass transit art.
Jack Stewart began studying art at the High Museum School in his hometown of Atlanta when he was 10 years old. At age 14, he began a 4 year apprenticeship with painter and sculptor Steffen Thomas. After serving in World War II, he enrolled at Yale University (B.F.A. 1951) as a sculpture student, but soon switched to the painting department where he studied with Josef Albers and Willem de Kooning. After graduation, Stewart began receiving mural commissions and enrolled in classes at Columbia University School of Architecture (1951-1953). His interest in architecture was tied to understanding how to work effectively with architects on mural projects. Later, Stewart developed an interest in graffiti which he pursued through graduate study at New York University (M.A., 1975 and Ph.D., 1989).
Stewart created murals in ceramic tile, mixed media and stained glass. In addition to mosaic murals, he designed tables with mosaic tops. As an outgrowth of his mosaic work, Stewart developed a technique for laminating stained glass onto plate glass that, by eliminating the need for lead, opened new design possibilities. Mural commissions included work for Hamilton Hotel in Chicago, Versailles Hotel in Miami Beach, Public School 28 in New York City, and several ocean liners. The most unusual mural, Raw Material commissioned by Cluett Peabody and Company, was composed of shirt labels embedded in acrylic.
Beginning in 1950 Stewart participated regularly in group shows and enjoyed solo exhibitions mainly in the New York City area. He also showed in Philadelphia, Georgia, Rhode Island, Mexico and Italy, and was included in exhibitions circulated by the American Federation of Arts.
Stewart taught at the college level for nearly thirty years, including: The New School (art and architecture, 1953-1958); Pratt Institute (interior architectural design, 1955-1960); The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (painting, drawing, human anatomy, art history, 1960-1976; Art Department Chairman, 1971-1976); International Center of Mythymna, American Division, Lesbos, Greece (summer school, 1962-1965); Columbia University (M.F.A. program instructor, 1966-1976); and New York University (drawing, 1967-1975). In 1976 he was appointed Vice President and Provost of the Rhode Island School of Design.
Stewart was active in several professional organizations. He served as New York Artists Equity Association Secretary (1986-1987) and President (1987-1989); President of the National Society of Mural Painters (1996-2000); member of the advisory board of the Steffen Thomas Museum and Archives, Buckhead, GA (1997- 2000s); and President of the Fine Arts Federation of New York (2003-2004). The National Academy of Design elected Jack Stewart an Academician in 1995.
Jack Stewart and Margot Schwarzhaupt, an artist, were married in 1947; they had one son, Brandon. Painter and arts administrator, Regina Serniak, became Jack Stewart's wife in 1976.
Jack Stewart died in New York City in 2005.
Related Materials:
Jack Stewart papers, 1926-2015, are located at Emory University Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library.
Provenance:
Donated in 2010 by Regina Stewart, widow of Jack Stewart.
Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment. Use of archival audiovisual recordings with no duplicate access copy requires advance notice. This collection is copyright restricted.
Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Occupation:
Arts administrators -- New York (State) -- New York Search this
