Marguerite Blasingame facts for kids

Marguerite Blasingame Charles (born Marguerite Louis, 1906–1947) was a talented American artist. She was known for her amazing sculptures and paintings. Marguerite was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1906. She studied art at the University of Hawaii and later earned a special degree in fine art from Stanford University in 1928.

After her studies, Marguerite returned to Hawaii. There, she became a well-known sculptor, creating many figures. A lot of her work was done in a style called bas-relief. This means the sculptures were carved into wood or stone, but they only stick out a little bit from the flat surface. Her art often featured smooth, flowing lines and simple shapes. During the Great Depression, a time when many people struggled, Marguerite worked for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This government program hired artists to create public art. She made many art pieces for buildings during this time.

Marguerite's Artistic Contributions

Marguerite Blasingame was a very active artist. In 1934, she helped start the Hawaiian Mural Arts Guild. This group included other famous artists like Isami Doi and Madge Tennent. They worked together to create beautiful murals.

Marguerite also wrote a book called A Course in Art Appreciation for the Adult Layman. This book was published by Stanford University Press and helped people learn to appreciate art.

Notable Works and Legacy

Marguerite Blasingame created many important artworks that you can still see today.

• One of her wooden sculptures is displayed at the John Dominis and Patches Damon Holt Gallery in the Honolulu Museum of Art.
• In 1935, she carved four wooden sculptures for the Church of the Crossroads. These carvings are next to the lectern and pulpit. They represent four major world religions: Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
• She also created an untitled marble sculpture in 1935, which you can find in Ala Moana Park in Honolulu.
• Another famous work is the Hawaiian Decagonal Fountain (1934–1935) at Kawananakoa School in Honolulu.

Marguerite Blasingame passed away in 1947 while she was traveling in Mexico. She left behind her second husband, Forrest Charles, and her sons, Pierre F. Charles and William Blasingame. Her art continues to inspire people in Hawaii and beyond.