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*7he Jtomo Studio of Smith, San 2>ie^o, QaUjj.
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Mrs. Eva Jessie Smith, one of America’s renowned Colored
artists, returned to Lincoln about a year ago, following the death of
her husband. She is making her home with her mother, Mrs. Susie
O’Donnell, 623 C Street, who is in ill health. For twenty years, she
made her home in San Diego. She was born in Atchison, Kansas
and schooled in Lincoln, where she showed her artistic bent at an
early age, later she became a student of Ceramics under Mme. Anna
Burkhart of Lincoln; and Miss Fanny Powell and Crandell of San
Diego. Mrs. Smith’s work has been highly commended by art critics
for its originality of design and harmony of color.
Mi's. Smith has exhibited her work in the Little Art Gallery
of San Diego, Russ High School, Fine Arts Gallery, and Athletic
^lub, all of San Diego. She served some of the outstanding people
and organizations of San Diego. ,
The colors and designs that she creates upon dishes and similar
ware, are “fired” and “set” in her own kiln, part of her studio equip
ment. In this phase of ceramics, she guides her brushes in varied
and skillful designing and decoration. Equally well done are her
“conventional designs—geometric figures of fine, interlacing lines
and other imaginative patterns. To see her work, is to appreciate
the artistry of it.
Ruth Bryan Owen, daughter of William Jennings Bryan, was a
school-girl acquaintance of Mrs. Smith and the latter declared, “has
been the inspiration of my life.” “She was,” Mrs. Smith said, “a tiny
pretty child, and she was always so thrifty, kindly and democratic.”
Of her accomplishments, Mrs. Smith simply says, “No matter
how humble one’s situation may be, one can always make the best
of life.” Her future plans are tentative and include the possibility
of opening a studio in Lincoln with classes for private instruction.