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Mary M. Purser
Born 1913 (1913)
Chicago Illinois
Died 1986 (aged 72–73)
Alachua, Florida
Nationality American
Education School of the Art Institute of Chicago, University of Mississippi, University of Florida
Known for muralist
Spouse(s) Stuart R. Purser
How Happy was the Occasion, by Mary M. Purser, 1941 (cropped)
How Happy was the Occasion Clarksville, Arkansas Post Office

Mary May Purser (1913–1986) was an American artist. She was a talented painter. Mary Purser is famous for a special mural she created. This mural is located in the Clarksville, Arkansas Post Office. It was made during the New Deal time.

About Mary Purser's Life

Mary May Purser was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her birthday was August 16, 1913. She loved art from a young age.

Her Education and Family

Mary Purser studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This is a well-known art school. She later married another artist, Stuart R. Purser. They had two children together.

Mary left the Art Institute when she got married. However, she continued her education later. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi. Then, she got a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Florida.

Moving Around and Teaching Art

Mary and Stuart Purser moved many times. This was because Stuart had different teaching jobs. They lived in several states, including Washington, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida. Stuart even led the art department at the University of Florida.

Mary also taught art for a while. She was a teacher at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. This was when her family lived in that area.

Mary Purser's Famous Mural

In 1939, Mary Purser finished a very important artwork. It was a large painting called How Happy Was the Occasion. This painting is a mural. Murals are big artworks painted directly on a wall or ceiling.

Where to Find the Mural

Mary Purser's mural is in the Clarksville, Arkansas Post Office. It is a beautiful piece of art for everyone to see.

How the Mural Was Made Possible

The mural was paid for by a special government program. This program was called the Treasury Section of Fine Arts (TSFA). The TSFA helped artists create public art during the New Deal era. Mary Purser received $470 for her work on the mural.

Later Life and Legacy

Mary Purser passed away in 1986. She died in Alachua, Florida. Her mural continues to be a part of American art history. It shows her talent and contribution to public art.

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