Dorothy Grebenak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Grebenak
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Grebenak, circa 1964
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| Born | June 3, 1913 |
| Died | June 13, 1990 (aged 77) London, United Kingdom
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| Known for | Pop art |
| Spouse(s) | Louis Grebenak (d. 1971) |
Dorothy Grebenak (June 3, 1913 – June 13, 1990) was an American artist known for her unique rugs. She created large, hand-hooked wool rugs that looked like everyday items. These included baseball cards, boxes of laundry soap, and even dollar bills. Her art style is called Pop art, which uses images from popular culture.
About Dorothy Grebenak
Dorothy Grebenak was born in Oxford, Nebraska. Her family had Irish roots. She mostly taught herself how to make art.
Her husband, Louis Grebenak, was also an artist. He created prints. Dorothy and Louis lived in Park Slope, Brooklyn for many years.
Early Life and Art
Dorothy Grebenak taught high school for a while. She also studied dance. By 1948, she started making her special rugs. She first sold them at the shop in the Brooklyn Museum.
Her rugs were different from other art made with fabric. They were not meant to be used on the floor. Instead, they were made to hang on a wall, just like a painting. Her rugs used images from everyday life, which was a new idea for art at the time.
Becoming a Pop Artist
In the early 1960s, Dorothy Grebenak became more well-known. She had two solo art shows at the Allan Stone Gallery. A "solo show" means all the art in the gallery was hers.
Important art collectors bought her rugs. These collectors included Nelson Rockefeller. Her art was also shown in many group exhibitions. A "group exhibition" is when several artists show their work together.
In 1965, her work was part of a big show at the Milwaukee Art Museum. This show was called Pop Art and the American Tradition. A national magazine even featured her "Man-hole cover" rug.
Dorothy also made special rugs as gifts for her grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She used wool that was colored with natural dyes.
Later Life
After her husband passed away in 1971, Dorothy Grebenak moved to London. She died there in 1990. Many of her rugs have been lost or have worn out over time. However, her unique Pop Art rugs are still remembered today.
Images for kids
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Grebenak, circa 1964
