Dorothy Morang facts for kids

Dorothy Morang (1906–1994) was an American artist who created beautiful abstract paintings. She also worked with pastels, which are like colored chalks. Dorothy was a very active member of the art community in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and left a lasting mark on the art world.

Dorothy Morang's Early Life

Dorothy Alden Clark was born in Bridgton, Maine, on November 24, 1906. From a young age, she showed a talent for music. She studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Dorothy even taught piano for most of her life, sharing her love for music with others.

Moving to New Mexico

On June 13, 1930, Dorothy married an artist and art critic named Alfred Morang. In 1937, they moved to New Mexico. Doctors had suggested that Alfred needed to live in a higher, drier place for his health. This move brought Dorothy to a new and inspiring environment.

Her Journey as an Artist

Dorothy Morang mostly taught herself how to paint. She worked on abstract easel paintings for a government art program called the WPA Art Project from 1939 to 1941. This project helped artists during a tough time in history. Later, she also taught piano and music appreciation for the Music Project.

Connecting with Art Groups

Dorothy was connected to a special art group called the Transcendental Painting Group. This group focused on creating abstract art that explored spiritual ideas. Even though she wasn't an official member, her art shared similar ideas.

Exhibitions and Museum Work

Dorothy Morang's artwork was shown in many places, both in New Mexico and across the country. A big moment for her was when her work was included in an exhibition at the famous Guggenheim Museum in New York in 1940. She also had her own shows in New York City in 1963 and 1965.

From 1942 to 1963, Dorothy worked at the New Mexico Museum of Art. She held several important jobs there, including being the Curator of Fine Arts. This meant she helped choose and organize the art shown in the museum. Her paintings can still be seen in the collections of the New Mexico Museum of Art, the University of New Mexico Fine Art Museum, and the West Texas Teacher's College Museum. In 1949, she helped start the Santa Fe Women Artists Exhibiting Group, which supported women artists.

Later Life

In 1950, Dorothy and Alfred Morang divorced. Fifteen years later, she married John C. Emmett. Dorothy Morang passed away on December 19, 1994, at the age of 88. She is remembered for her unique artistic vision and her contributions to the art world.