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Colleen Kuhn's avatar

Randy, you introduced me to the work of Emma Richardson Cherry and I do so appreciate her work. I’m always happy to learn more about her. Thank you, Colleen

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Randy Tibbits's avatar

Hi Colleen - So glad to hear that you are also a fan of Mrs. Cherry and her work. In case you don't know already, there's a Missouri aspect to her career. She lived in Kansas City for a few years in the 1880s, and (as usual for her) helped start arts orgs that eventually evolved into the art museum there. We have a lovely painting she did while in KC, signed and dated Oct 1887 - just a month before she left for Paris for two years of art study in France. (Which was just after she married, also in KC in Oct 1887 - her new husband didn't go with her to Paris! But that's another story of dedication to art, and a 19th Century husband perhaps unusually tolerant for his day). Thank you so much for subscribing to my Substack, and for letting me know that you've found something of interest to you there.

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Kathleen F.'s avatar

I love her work! What a delight to savor her light, just as I watch the first of today's snowfall outside my window. Thank you for sharing her work and telling of her leadership in creating the art museum.

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Randy Tibbits's avatar

Since Mrs. C spent most of her life in Houston, she didn't get much chance to paint SNOW. But there is one, which would upload for you to mark your snow day - except that Substack doesn't seem to let me upload images in replies. Anyway, thanks as always for reading these pieces. Rest assured, there will be more about Mrs. Cherry in our future. It is, after all, about to be the centennial of her summer in Brittany, in 1925. How can I resist posting (maybe MANY times) about that!?

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Kathleen F.'s avatar

I look forward to your postings and learning more about the delightful and talented Mrs. Cherry. I love her name!!

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Randy Tibbits's avatar

I think you'll appreciate this - many of the paintings she did in France, she signed "Cerise!"

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Richard Bebermeyer's avatar

Beautiful art! Women certainly led in Houston's early art history.

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Randy Tibbits's avatar

WOMEN RULED - at least when it came to art in Houston in those early days. Even James Chillman, Jr., first director of MFAH, said: "Art in Houston was a woman's affair." And he meant that in a good way.

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Mae McMulllin's avatar

Thanks for sharing, I love her style.

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Randy Tibbits's avatar

Thank you for saying so, Mae. And someone else up your way seemed to agree. The painting "Studios on the Cove," somehow made it all the way to Seattle - which is where it came up for auction a few years back!

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