Writing/Essay/Journal
In her book Pioneer Modernists: Minnesota’s First Generation of Women Artists, Julie L’Enfant presents research and insights about Minnesota women who were working artists before they even had the right to vote. She says, “It is admirable that these women had the drive, persistence and support that enabled them to make independent careers as artists.” Based on what you learned about Clara Mairs and Francis Cranmer Greenman, what were some of the difficulties women artists of their time faced? What difficulties, if any, do you think women artists still face today?

Activity
Francis Cranmer Greenman painted portraits that often showed the gritty realities of life. Find a picture from a magazine, newspaper or online that you feel captures the “gritty reality” of life today. Create a painting inspired by the image, or write a short essay describing why you chose the image.