They Shattered the Rules. They Built a World of Art.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as women across America fought for their right to vote, a parallel revolution was happening. Armed with newfound social and economic power, women stepped out of the home and into the studio, the workshop, and the marketplace, transforming the world of design and decorative arts.
This exhibition, Creative Freedom: Women as Decorative Arts Entrepreneurs and Connoisseurs, c. 1900-1940, celebrates the dawn of the modern woman through the stunning objects she created. As the call for suffrage led to the landmark Nineteenth Amendment, women began to break free from convention. They didn't just demand a vote; they claimed their place as cultural leaders.
Discover the stories of these trailblazers:
- Clara Driscoll (1861-1944): The unsung genius who designed many of Tiffany Studios' most iconic and beloved lamps.
- Maria Martinez (1888-1987): The legendary potter who transformed a centuries-old Native American craft into a celebrated modern art form with her signature black-on-black ware.
- Maria Longworth Nichols Storer (1849–1932): The brilliant founder of Rookwood Pottery, who merged artistry with industry to create an American institution.
The pioneering spirit of these women is the same spirit that built this museum. Our founder, Margaret Acheson Stuart (1898-1980), was a woman of this era, whose passion and independence created the legacy we all share.
Come, explore the creativity, ambition, and generosity of the women who didn't just witness history—they shaped it.
This exhibition is part of the MFA's year-long 60th-anniversary celebration. Through special exhibitions and programs, we honor our history as we imagine our future.
MEDIA PARTNER: WUSF: YOUR HOME FOR NPR / WSMR CLASSICAL
FUNDED IN PART BY THE CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG
Images:
Artist: Clara Driscoll, American, 1861-1944, Manufacturer: Tiffany Studios, American, active 1902-1932, Daffodil Lamp Shade with Iris Base, c. 1900, Leaded glass and bronze; modern wiring, Gift of Mary Alice McClendon in honor of the Museum's 50th Anniversary
Artist: Maria Longworth Nichols, American, 1849-1932, Manufacturer: Rookwood Pottery, American, founded 1880, Octopi, Frogs, and Crab Vase, 1882, Ceramic, partially gilt, Museum Purchase
Artist: Maria Martinez, San Idelfonso Pueblo, 1887-1980, Artist: Julian Martinez, San Ildefonso Pueblo, 1887-1943, Jar, 1925-1943, Ceramic, Gift of Estate of E. Murray Todd