Jessie Arms Botke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessie Arms Botke
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| Born | May 27, 1883 Chicago, Illinois, United States
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| Died | October 2, 1971 (aged 88) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | School of the Art Institute of Chicago |
| Style | Painting |
| Movement | California Impressionism |
| Spouse(s) | Cornelis Botke |
Jessie Hazel Arms Botke (born May 27, 1883 – died October 2, 1971) was a talented American painter. She was famous for her beautiful paintings of birds, especially white peacocks. She often added shiny gold leaf to her artworks, making them sparkle! Jessie lived and worked in both Illinois and California.
About Jessie's Life
Jessie Arms Botke was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were William Aldis and Martha Arms. From a young age, Jessie loved art. She studied at the Chicago Art Institute several times between 1897 and 1905. She also took summer classes from famous artists like John Christen Johansen and Charles Herbert Woodbury.
A very important teacher for Jessie was Albert Herter. He helped her learn how to arrange her paintings and choose colors. In 1909, Jessie traveled to Europe. When she returned, she worked as an artist and interior decorator in Chicago. She also painted large murals in New York City in 1911 and in San Francisco in 1913-1914.
In April 1915, Jessie married Cornelis Botke, who was also an artist. A year later, they had their only child, a son named William. In 1919, Jessie and Cornelis moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. They became important members of the art community there. Her husband taught art classes, and they both showed their paintings in local exhibitions.
Later, in 1927, they moved to Santa Paula, California. Jessie continued to paint a lot. She was also very active in the California Art Club, where she served as a secretary. She even managed her family's ranch in Wheeler Canyon while still creating amazing art.
Her Final Years
Jessie Arms Botke passed away on October 2, 1971, in Santa Paula. She was 88 years old. A special outdoor service was held for her. After the service, some of her paintings and those of her late husband were shown in a local bank.
Awards and Exhibitions
Jessie Botke was a very successful artist during her lifetime. She showed her work in many art shows across the United States. She won several important awards for her paintings:
- In 1917, she won the Englewood Woman’s Club Prize at the Chicago Art Institute.
- In 1918, she received the Martin B. Cahn Prize, also from the Chicago Art Institute.
- In 1919, she earned the Chicago Artists’ Medal at an annual exhibition.
- In 1920, she won the William O. Thompson Prize at the Chicago Art Institute.
- She also received an Honorable Mention in 1925 from the National Association of Women Painters & Sculptors in New York.
- In 1926, she won First Prize and $500.00 at the Exhibition of Chicago Artists Annual.
- In 1933, she won the Tucker Prize from the National Association of Women Painters & Sculptors.
Jessie also had many exhibitions with her husband, Cornelis. They showed their art together in places like the Milwaukee Art Institute and the Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento.
Jessie's Art Style
Jessie Botke's art was often inspired by her early work designing woven tapestries. This influence can be seen in the detailed patterns and textures in her paintings. She loved to paint birds, and her most famous subjects were white peacocks, geese, and cockatoos. She often used bright colors and added gold leaf to make her bird paintings truly special.
Later in her career, Jessie started using watercolors more often instead of oil paints. She also painted still life pictures, which are paintings of objects like flowers or fruit. Her artwork was shown in galleries all over the country during her life. Even after she passed away, her paintings have continued to be displayed in museums, like the Irvine Museum and the Museum of Ventura County.
