Ida A. Johnson (January 13, 1850 – March 7, 1931) was an American botanical still life and china painter, as well as the partner of artist Josephine M. Culbertson.[1]

Ida A. Johnson
Ida Johnson (1850-1931)
Born
Ida Anna Johnson

(1850-01-13)January 13, 1850
DiedMarch 7, 1931(1931-03-07) (aged 81)
OccupationWatercolorist
PartnerJosephine M. Culbertson

Early life

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Her father was Egbert B. Johnson (1821–1906). Her mother was Cordelia Haight (1821-1906).[2]

Career

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Both Johnson and Culbertson decided to pursue artistic careers; they became friends and companions. Johnson became an instructor in ceramics at Adelphi College in New York for almost ten years. She was president of the National Ceramic Society for four years.[3][4]

After establishing a studio and salon in Brooklyn, at 193 St. James Place, Johnson exhibited the watercolors Song Birds of Our Land and Twilight Park at her studio in Brooklyn on April 2, 1898.[5] In 1899, she gave what would become an annual exhibit of oil and watercolors at her studio in Brooklyn. She also exhibited ceramic pieces including a Coffee Set.[6]

In 1901, they hosted their annual art reception at their studio, showcasing a collection of their watercolor sketches to visitors and art enthusiasts.[7]

Grey Gables

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Gray Gables on Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea.

In 1906, Johnson and Culbertson arrived in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, shortly after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.[8] They named their residence Grey Gables, which frequently hosted art exhibitions.[9]

Some of her works were published in the Keramic Studio magazine for China painters and potters. Her California Wild Flowers, Matilija Poppy, and California Poppy were among those that were selected for the 1912 publication.[10]

Johnson was known for her charitable activities, supporting various organizations and causes in Carmel. She actively contributed to the Dramatic Arts Society, Carmel Community Church, Carmel Boys' Club, Missionary Fund, Dickens Reading Club, and Carmel Reading Circle.[4][11][12]

Johnson suffered a severe automobile accident in 1928 in Oakland, California, that left her "bruised and battered." The accident also caused serious injuries to her partner, Josephine Culbertson.[13]

Carmel Free Library

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California Poppies (Eschscholzia), part of a restoration of a set of 78 original wildflower paintings crafted by Johnson.

In 1908, Johnson presented a lecture and authored a paper discussing the establishment of the Carmel Free Library Association. On July 16, 1908, she journeyed to Watsonville and gathered at the Christian Church to present her paper, "The Beginnings of a Small Library." During her talk, she outlined the historical development of the small library, emphasizing the importance of promptly cataloging books and records. Furthermore, she provided a comprehensive sketch of the library in its present state, along with its aims and rules. She declared it to be a "free" library, open to all without restrictions on borrowers' applications, merely requiring them to sign a promise to replace any lost books.[14]

Death

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Johnson died on March 7, 1931, at the age of 81, in Carmel, California. Her remains were sent to Atascadero, California, for cremation.[11][15][3]

References

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  1. ^ "Ida A. Johnson - Biography". www.askart.com.
  2. ^ "The History and Descendants of John and Sarah Reynolds : 1630?-1923". Watertown, Mass.: Reynolds Family Association. 1924. p. 416. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Ida A. Johnson Dies". Times Union. Brooklyn, New York. March 9, 1931. p. 2. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Ida A. Johson" (PDF). Traditional Fine Arts Organization. pp. 457–458. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  5. ^ "Art and Artists". Times Union. Brooklyn, New York. April 2, 1898. p. 13. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  6. ^ "In Local Studios". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Brooklyn, New York. March 26, 1899. p. 18. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  7. ^ "Coming Art Reception". The Brooklyn Citizen. Brooklyn, New York. March 24, 1901. p. 16. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  8. ^ Hughes, Edan Milton (January 1, 1989). Artists in California, 1786-1940 (2nd ed.). San Francisco, USA: Hughes Pub Co; Subsequent edition. ISBN 978-0961611217.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  9. ^ Kent Seavey (May 10, 2002). "Department Of Parks And Recreation" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  10. ^ Leonard, Anna B.; Robineau, Adelaide Alsop (1912). "Keramic Studio Volume 14". Keramic Studio Publishing Company. p. 13. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  11. ^ a b "Obituary". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. March 12, 1931. p. 3. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  12. ^ "Online Collections". To a Garden. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. March 31, 1937. p. 8. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  13. ^ "Guests, Hurt, Seek $76,656". Oakland Tribune. Oakland, California. November 20, 1928. p. 21. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  14. ^ Library, California State (1908). "News Notes of California Libraries Volume 3". California State Library. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  15. ^ Wright, Connie (2014). "Josephine Culbertson and Ida M. Johnson". Stories of old Carmel: A Centennial Tribute From The Carmel Residents Association. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: Carmel Residents Assoc. pp. 77–78. OCLC 940565140.
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