Anita Pollitzer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anita Pollitzer
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| Born | October 31, 1894 Charleston, South Carolina
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| Died | July 3, 1975 (aged 80) New York City
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | Columbia University |
| Known for | Photography |
| Spouse(s) |
Elie Charlier Edson
(m. 1928) |
Anita Lily Pollitzer (born October 31, 1894 – died July 3, 1975) was an American photographer. She was also a very important suffragist, which means she worked hard to get women the right to vote.
Early Life and Education
Anita Lily Pollitzer was born on October 31, 1894, in Charleston, South Carolina. Her parents were Clara Guinzburg Pollitzer and Gustave Pollitzer. Her mother's father was a rabbi, a Jewish religious leader, from Prague. Her father ran a cotton business in Charleston. Anita had two older sisters, Carrie and Mabel, and a brother named Richard.
Anita grew up in a Jewish family. When she was young, she taught at a Sabbath school in Charleston. Later in life, she was not very religious. She believed in her own strength more than relying on religion. Once, her sister Mabel said, "God gave me mountains to climb and the strength to climb them." Anita replied, "I don’t want God to give me mountains to climb. I want to find my own." This shows how independent she was.
Anita finished high school at Memminger High School in 1913. After that, she left Charleston to study art at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City.
Career
Artist
Anita Pollitzer is well-known for her close friendship with Georgia O'Keeffe. They met while studying at Columbia University. They lived together for several years and shared many ideas.
In 1916, O'Keeffe sent some charcoal drawings she made to Pollitzer. Anita then took these drawings to Alfred Stieglitz. He was a famous photographer and ran an art gallery called 291. Stieglitz was very impressed by O'Keeffe's art. He said they were "the purest, finest, sincerest things" he had seen in a long time.
In April 1916, Stieglitz showed ten of O'Keeffe's drawings at his gallery. This was a big moment for O'Keeffe's career. Stieglitz helped her become a famous artist, and they later got married. Anita Pollitzer played a key role in connecting O'Keeffe with Stieglitz.
Pollitzer later wrote a book called A Woman on Paper: Georgia O'Keeffe. This book included letters she and O'Keeffe had exchanged since their college days. The book showed their deep friendship and shared stories. It also included parts of their early letters, where they talked about art, life, and their hopes for the future. Anita and Georgia remained friends throughout their lives until Anita passed away. The book was published in 1988.
Suffragist
Anita Pollitzer was very important in helping to pass the 19th Amendment. This amendment gave women the right to vote across the United States. She was a leader in the National Woman's Party. She served as the National Chairman of the party from 1945 to 1949. Her work helped make sure women had an equal voice in elections.
Personal Life
In December 1928, Anita Pollitzer married Elie Charlier Edson. He was the uncle of the famous folk singer, Pete Seeger. The couple moved to New York City and lived in an apartment on West 115th Street.
Anita Pollitzer died on July 3, 1975, in New York City.
See also
In Spanish: Anita Pollitzer para niños
