Exhibition - Margery Ryerson: Art is Contagious

Margery Ryerson (1886–1989), best known for compiling the influential notes of artist Robert Henri, for the 1923 publication, The Art Spirit, was important in her own right as a prolific painter and printmaker whose artistic career spanned an impressive seven decades. Her diverse subjects included landscapes, cityscapes, still lifes, and portraits. She gained critical acclaim for her candid depictions of children, particularly those in settlement houses where she taught. Additionally, Ryerson wrote articles, reviews, and poetry and applied her illustrative skills to books, greeting cards, and calendars. She also led painting demonstrations and exhibited widely at museums, galleries, schools, and churches, establishing a lasting legacy as both an artist and educator.
 
This exhibition features over 80 artworks and objects, including Ryerson’s oil paintings, prints, and photographs, along with personal items like a paintbrush and a sketchbook. Through her work, the exhibit delves into themes central to Ryerson's life, including the "new immigrant" experience in New York City from 1880–1914 and the role of settlement houses in supporting these communities. Often depicted in her portraits and scenes, these settlement houses provided essential services and served as inspiration for much of her work. Complementing Ryerson’s pieces are artifacts from immigrant life, including cultural items, identification papers, and historical photographs, offering a fuller understanding of the communities that shaped her art.

Dates: November 23, 2024 to September 7, 2025

Location: West Gallery