Emily Edwards facts for kids

Emily Edwards (born October 7, 1888 – died February 16, 1980) was a talented artist, historian, and teacher. She is best known for helping to save the famous San Antonio River Walk in Texas. Emily Edwards also helped start the San Antonio Conservation Society and was its first president. She was a lifelong friend of the famous artist Diego Rivera.

Saving the San Antonio River Walk

On March 23, 1924, Emily Edwards and Rena Maverick Green brought together thirteen women in San Antonio. They formed the San Antonio Conservation Society (SACS). Their goal was to protect historic buildings and natural areas in San Antonio.

Emily Edwards became the first president of SACS. She used her creative skills to help save a part of the San Antonio River. City leaders were planning to pave over this section, which is now known as the San Antonio River Walk.

To show how important the river was, Emily Edwards put on a special puppet show for the city commissioners. The show was called "The Goose and the Golden Eggs." The "Goose" represented the river itself. Each "egg" showed something good that the river brought to the city, like culture and beauty. Her efforts helped convince the city to protect the river. Emily Edwards led SACS for two years, working hard to keep San Antonio unique.

Early Life and Education

Emily Edwards was born in San Antonio, Texas, on October 7, 1888. She was one of four daughters. When Emily was seven years old, her mother passed away. Her father then raised Emily and her sisters.

At age ten, Emily began her schooling at Ursuline Academy in San Antonio. Later, she continued her education at the San Antonio Female Institute.

Becoming an Artist

From a young age, Emily Edwards showed great talent for art. She studied with many well-known artists of her time. She took classes from Pompeo Coppini in Texas. She also learned from Diego Rivera when she was in Mexico. Other teachers included Harry Mills Walcott, John Vanderpoel, Ralph Clarkson, and Enella Benedict.

In 1905, Emily Edwards joined the Art Institute of Chicago. She also worked there and taught art classes to young women at Hull House. She taught art at the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago until 1917. For several years after that, she taught in schools in San Antonio and West Virginia. She also worked as a stage designer in New York City and performed as a puppeteer in Massachusetts. In the 1930s, she became the artistic director at Hull House.

Time in Mexico with Diego Rivera

Emily Edwards began spending a lot of time in Mexico starting in 1925. She took art classes from the famous artist Diego Rivera. They became close friends and stayed friends throughout their lives.

Emily Edwards spent about ten years, on and off, in Mexico. She worked on her art and studied how Mexican culture influenced the art world. During this time, she wrote books and pamphlets about Mexican art. She was married to Librado de Cantabrana.

Later Years and Legacy

From the 1950s until her death, Emily Edwards lived in San Antonio. She passed away on February 16, 1980. She is remembered for her important work in preserving San Antonio's history and natural beauty, especially the San Antonio River Walk.