Independent Spirits - Women Painters of the American West 1890-1945

"The history of women's participation in the westward expansion has often been subsumed into myths of pioneers and cowgirls. "Independent Spirits offers convincing evidence of real women's contributions to the cultural life of the American West. Many of the names may be unfamiliar, but the stories can't help but transform our idea of history. An accessible and informative volume."--Whitney Chadwick, Professor of Art History, San Francisco State University""Independent Spirits offers the first step in documenting the achievements and innovations of women in the pictorial arts. The history of Western American painting can never again be examined without the consideration of women in that development."--William Gerdts, Professor of Art History, The Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York"This book makes available the material we need to begin rethinking the West's cultural history. The art history of the region--like the general histories of the West itself--has long concentrated on the work of men. With tightly focused regional essays, fresh photographic illustrations, and reproductions of many little-known works of art, this book establishes women as central figures in the creation of American art."--Martha Sandweiss, Director of the Mead Art Museum, Amherst College"At last there is for art of the American West a serious diversion from the enduring continuum of male-oriented surveys. In this handsome volume, for the first time, women's art is copiously revealed and duly celebrated. Their persistent and remarkable creative forces have played a powerful part in interpreting Western life and evolving regional tastes. Here we finally see women'srightful place in the Western creative saga."--Peter Hassrick, Director, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Wyoming