Preface to the Bios

Methodology

This list was compiled using a variety of sources. Primary among them was the appendix in Joann Moser’s 1977 exhibition catalogue about Atelier 17 that incorporated the names of fifty-one women artists.¹ Archival research in exhibition catalogues, newspaper clippings, and letters has identified many more Atelier 17 participants. Museum collections and conversations with artists’ descendants have also shed light on several women who were not listed in the 1977 appendix. For a key to understanding the new additions, please see Appendix A in The Women of Atelier 17: Modernist Printmaking in Midcentury New York.²

Name convention and alphabetization

Because many artists were unmarried at the time they worked at Atelier 17 and exhibited prints under their maiden names, the bios are generally alphabetized by maiden name. In cases where an artist changed her last name after marriage, I use a compound of maiden and married name to avoid confusion (e.g., Ellen Abbey Countey). Exceptions to this rule occur when an artist was already married by the time of her affiliation with Atelier 17 and used her married name professionally (e.g., Terry Haass).

Scope

The bios were written to give a snapshot of the artists and their connections to Atelier 17. They are, by no means, exhaustive or definitive. My greatest hope is that these bios will generate future scholarship about these artists.

Documentation

Sources are cited in the notes of each artist’s entry. Should future researchers have trouble tracking down a reference, please contact me and I will be happy to review my notes.

Corrections

These bios are a labor of love and assembled without a team of professional editors. There are very likely some minor typographical errors—my apologies in advance. Please contact me with any factual corrections. These suggestions will be considered for subsequent updates to The Biographical Supplement.

Copyright & Fair Use

The photographers and the sources of visual material are indicated in each of the image captions. Every effort has been made to supply complete and correct credits; if there are errors or omissions, please contact me so that corrections can be made in any subsequent editions.

Notes