Julia Cornelia Slaughter

Approximately in 1876, Slaughter settled in New York and lived there until 1888. She worked as a realist painter, creating still-life paintings and landscapes. During her life in New York, she exhibited her artwork in the "major Annual Exhibitions" of the city,[6] including the National Academy of Design, American Art Association,[11] and Society of American Artists.[5]

Slaughter moved to Tacoma in 1891,[2] and later became highly esteemed in social circles of the city.[9] She was known as a "prominent Tacoma artist,"[10] and was an active member in the city's in musical, literary, artistic and philanthropical societies.[5]

In late 1880s, Slaughter founded an art league in Tacoma, but it closed after its first exhibition. Later, she co-organized the Tacoma Art League to promote art among Tacoma citizens.[10] It was officially formed on October 28, 1908,[4][2] and later developed into the Tacoma Art Museum.[6] It held annual exhibitions in the city and was estimated as a "very successful organization" of that period.[4] Over the years, Slaughter was elected president of the league two times,[5] as well as chairing the committees and serving as treasurer. She also became a charter member of the literary club Aloha, founded by league members in 1892.[12]

In 1893, the Chicago World's Fair (also named World's Columbian Exposition), was held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World in 1492. In 1891, the Washington State Legislature created a World's Fair Commission to organize Washington state exhibits for the Chicago Fair.[13] Appointed superintendent of the Department of Fine Art in 1891, Slaughter spent several years working for the commission.[14][15][2] Her duties were to visit various art centers and organize art leagues across the state. She attracted state artists' attention to Washington state scenery, influenced them to make art pieces depicting it, and collected pieces for the World's Fair exhibition.[14][7]

In the course of this work, Slaughter organized art leagues in different state cities, including Seattle,[16] Spokane,[17] Walla Walla, Olympia, Fairhaven, and Whatcom (later Bellingham).[5]

In 1895, Slaughter was elected president of Lady Commissioners, an organization created to work at the Atlanta Cotton States exposition.[8]

She was the founder and president of the Washington State Cooperation Society, which was created to support and popularize Washingtonian home industries. In 1903, Slaughter was on the Board of Trustees of the Ferry Museum, which was considered "Tacoma's most notable public institution." At the time, she was the only female member of the board.[9]

Slaughter was a member of the American Art Union and its first female member.[6] She was the second vice president of the Tacoma Woman's Exchange organization.[5]