Josephine M. Culbertson

Josephine M. Culbertson (May 4, 1852 – April 10, 1941), also known as J. M. Culbertson, was an American landscape painter and etcher. She was a co-founder of the Carmel Art Association located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Culbertson's dedication to the arts extended to her involvement in various clubs and associations, such as the Carmel Boys' Club and the Dicken's Club, where she fostered artistic growth and camaraderie among fellow artists.[1]

Josephine Culbertson
Josephine Culbertson (1852-1941)
Born
Josephine Mary Culbertson

(1852-05-04)May 4, 1852
Shanghai, China
DiedApril 10, 1941(1941-04-10) (aged 88)
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, US
OccupationLandscape painter
PartnerIda A. Johnson

Early life

Culbertson was born on May 4, 1852, in Shanghai, China. Her father was U.S. Marine General Michael Simpson Culbertson (1819-1862), a Presbyterian clergyman, missionary to China, academic, and author.[2] Her mother was Mary McFarlane Dunlap (1823-1888).[3] When her father died of cholera in 1862, their mother brought Josephine and her sister to Brooklyn, New York where she established a home for her two daughters.[4]

Josephine attended the Parker School in Brooklyn and the Adelphi Academy from 1896 to 1897, the Adelphi College from 1899 to 1900. Ida A. Johnson was a classmate of Culbertson at Parker School and resided at their mother's residence.[5]

Both Culbertson and Johnson made early decisions to pursue artistic careers and became friends and companions. Culbertson, guided by her passion for art, studied under the oil painter and teacher, William Merritt Chase, in New York City, Arthur W. Dow, and George Henry Smillie.[6] She exhibited with the Brooklyn Art Association garnering recognition within the artistic community. She primarily focused on painting landscapes and seascapes, capturing the beauty of natural surroundings. After establishing a studio and salon in Brooklyn, 193 St. James Place, the two women joined forces to collaborate on a show in New York. Johnson painted a single bloom, while Culbertson depicted the same flower in its natural surroundings, showcasing their distinct artistic styles.[5]

Career

In 1906, Culbertson and Johnson arrived in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California shortly after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and they decided to set up their art studio. They built their home, now known as "Grey Gables," located at Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue. The residence soon became a gathering place, attracting artists and young enthusiasts alike.[4][7]

Culbertson and Johnson took the initiative to establish the Carmel Boys' Club,[4] which was organized before the Boys Scouts, an organization that boasted notable names such as John and Gordy Campbell, the Taggert Wermuth, Roy Fraties (became police officer), Bob Norton (became Chief of Police), James Hopper Jr. (son of writer James Hopper), Thomas Warren, Kenneth Goold, and Billy Heron (son of Herbert Heron). Additionally, she founded the Dicken's Club, and her dedication to the arts led her to become the first president of the Carmel Art Association. The group's meetings were initially held at her home until 1927 when the current gallery was established.[4][8]

In addition to her work with the Carmel Boys' Club and the Carmel Art Association, Culbertson played a role in founding the Community Church, now known as the Church of the Wayfarer, located Lincoln Street and Seventh Avenue. Her commitment extended to directing the choir and organist at the church for twenty years, where her passion for music and the arts enriched the congregation's spiritual experiences.[4][9][7]

Despite a severe automobile accident in 1928 in Oakland, California, that left her with a permanent injury to her right arm, Culbertson remained resilient. Doctors had informed her that the loss of function in her arm would be irreversible.[10] However, she defied the odds and persevered, continuing her painting endeavors until just two years ago when she became bedridden.[4]

Gray Gables
Gray Gables on Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Brodiea Capitata, Keramic studio (1912).

Culbertson and Johnson acquired seven lots at the southeast corner of Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, purchasing them from Frank Davendorf. In 1915, they commissioned builder M. J. Murphy to construct their modest new home, a dwelling that featured two studios. Josephine's painting studio was situated in the opposite wing of the house. Ida's studio was thoughtfully designed for ceramic work, with a window overlooking the serene garden.[5][1]

They affectionately named their residence "Grey Gables," which quickly became a popular gathering place in the community. Aspiring artists sought lessons there, and both the Carmel Circle and the Dickens Club held their meetings within its welcoming walls. Frequent art exhibits were hosted at Grey Gables.[11]

Carmel Arts and Crafts Club
Main article: Carmel Arts and Crafts Club

Culbertson was a member and contributor to exhibitions of the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club[6] and the Clubs' Carmel summer program, to teach drama, painting, pottery, metalwork and a variety of other crafts. The school's instructors included Culbertson and Johnson as well as other instructors like William Merritt Chase, and Mary DeNeale Morgan.[5][7] On July 6 through August 14, 1914, she taught pottery, a course with 6 lessons, for summer school program.[12]

After several years of establishment, the club established the Arts and Crafts Theater, and Carmel's enthusiasm for play production grew exponentially, leading the theater contingent to surpass the number of painters. Consequently, many artists felt that the club no longer fully represented their interests. This sentiment prompted the formation of a local art association, one of Carmel's significant historical events.[5]

Carmel Art Association
Main article: Carmel Art Association

On August 8, 1927, nineteen Carmel artists convened to establish an art association in the living room at Grey Gables.[1] Culbertson sent out invitations to various artists, seventy of whom were either local or part-time residents. Culbertson chaired the meeting at Gray Gables, and local artists, including Mary DeNeale Morgan, participated in the occasion. During this gathering, twenty artists came together, collectively deciding to establish a local art association.[5][4][13] Before the meeting concluded, they had established the Carmel Art Association with a mission statement: "to advance art and cooperation among artists, secure a permanent exhibition space, and foster stronger fellowship between artists and the public." The first president of the Carmel Art Association was painter Pedro Joseph de Lemos. Culbertson assumed the position of vice president. Clay Otto took charge of securing a suitable gallery in a central area of Carmel for the group's exhibitions and activities.[5][7][14]

The annual meetings of the Carmel Art Association continued to meet at Gray Gables through the early 1930s until a permeant home was selected in the fall of 1933, when the Carmel Art Association moved to its present location on Dolores Street. At this time the Association purchased Ira Remsen's former studio with a loan from businessman Barnet J. Segal.[15][11][6]

Culbertson resided at Grey Gables until two years before her passing in 1941. After her death, Grey Gables underwent division into three parts, which were subsequently moved to the south side of 3rd Avenue, between Santa Rita and Guadalupe Streets. In its place, the Mayfair House was constructed, featuring a design by Jon Konigshofer.[7][5]

Death

For nearly six decades, Culbertson and Johnson shared their lives together. Johnson passed away in March 1931.[5] After a prolonged illness, Culbertson passed away, at the age of 88, on April 10, 1941, in Carmel, California. The funeral service took place at the Freeman-Ranacadore Chapel in Monterey, California, with Rev. James E. Crowther officiating the ceremony. Following the service, her remains were taken to Santa Cruz for cremation.[4]

Selected works
  • Twilight Park (1898)[16]
  • Cape Ann (1899)[17]
  • Violets (1899)[17]
  • North Shore Long Island (1901)[18]
  • Hay Wagon
  • Pacific Grove
  • California Hillside
  • Flowering Hillside
  • Waves On The Rocks[19]
  • Border, Mission Bells (1912)[20]
  • Brodiaea (1912)[20]
  • Brodiea Capitata (1912)[20]
  • Border, Mimulus (1912)[20]
  • Lanterns Of The Fairies (Calochortus Aalbus) (1912)[20]
  • Monterey Peninsula Seascape (1912)
  • Plate, Wild Hollyhock Motif (1912)[20]
  • Wild Hollyhock (1912)[20]
  • Yellow Mariposa Lilies (1912)[20]
  • Yellow and Pink sand-verbena (1912)[20]
  • A Carmel Garden (1916)[12]
  • A Breezy Morning (1916)[12]
  • Carmel Neighbors (1916)[12]
  • San Jose Canyon (1920)[12]
  • The Olde Shop (1920)[12]
  • Carmel Mission (1920)[12]
  • Sea Garden (1923)[12]
  • Wind-Swept Cypress (1923)[12]
  • Our Picnic Place (1924)[12]
  • Evening San Tropez, France (1924)[12]
  • Grand Old Lady of Carmel (1920s)[8]
  • Monterey Old Custom House (early 1920s)[21]
  • Yellow Mariposa Lilies
    Yellow Mariposa Lilies
  • Lanterns Of The Fairies
    Lanterns Of The Fairies
  • Plate, Wild Hollyhock Motif
    Plate, Wild Hollyhock Motif
  • Yellow and Pink sand-verbena
    Yellow and Pink sand-verbena

References
  1. Watson, Lisa Crawford (July 6, 2015). Legendary Locals of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: Arcadia Publishing Incorporated. pp. 9–10. ISBN 9781439651179. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
  2. "Death of Rev Simpson Culbertson, D. D." The Adams Sentinel Archive. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. November 25, 1862. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  3. "Historical Information for Josephine Mary Culbertson". FamilySearch. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  4. "Carmel Pioneer Passes". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. April 18, 1941. pp. 1, 16. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  5. Wright, Connie (2014). "Josephine Culbertson and Ida A. Johnson". Stories of old Carmel: A Centennial Tribute From The Carmel Residents Association. pp. 77–78. OCLC 940565140. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  6. Edwards, Robert W. (2012). "Chapter Two – Western Frontiers: Birth of the Carmel Art Colony (1896-1909)". Jennie V. Cannon: The Untold History of the Carmel and Berkeley Art Colonies (PDF). p. 39. ISBN 978-1467545679. Retrieved April 7, 2023. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. Hale, Sharron Lee (1980). A Tribute to Yesterday: The History of Carmel, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, Point Lobos, Carmelite Monastery, and Los Burros. Santa Cruz, California: Valley Publishers. p. 33. ISBN 9780913548738. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  8. "Online Collections". To a Garden. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. March 31, 1937. p. 8. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  9. Dramov, Alissandra (2012). Carmel-by-the-Sea, The Early Years (1803-1913). pp. 112, 258. ISBN 9781491824146. Retrieved March 3, 2023. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. "Guests, Hurt, Seek $76,656". Oakland Tribune. Oakland, California. November 20, 1928. p. 21. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  11. Kent Seavey (May 10, 2002). "Department Of Parks And Recreation" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  12. "Arts and Crafts Club Scrapbook". Harrison Memorial Library. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1912. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  13. "Carmel Art Body Forms". Oakland Tribune. August 10, 1927. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  14. "Carmel Art Body Names Officers". Oakland, California. August 18, 1927. p. 21. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  15. Dramov, Alissandra (2019). Historic Buildings of Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: Arcadia Publishing. pp. 36, 73. ISBN 9781467103039. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  16. "Art and Artists". Times Union. Brooklyn, New York. April 2, 1898. p. 13. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  17. "In Local Studios". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Brooklyn, New York. March 26, 1899. p. 18. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  18. "Coming Art Reception". The Brooklyn Citizen. Brooklyn, New York. March 24, 1901. p. 16. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  19. "Josephine Culbertson (1852-1941)". Portnoy Galleries. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  20. Leonard, Anna B.; Robineau, Adelaide Alsop (1912). "Keramic Studio Volume 14". Keramic Studio Publishing Company. p. 13. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  21. "Online Collections". Monterey Museum of Art. Monterey, California. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
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