biography of Ida Wells STROUD (1869-1944)

Birth place: New Orleans, LA

Addresses: New Orleans, active 1896-1902; Newark, NJ/Point Pleasant, NJ

Profession: Painter, teacher, ceramicist, craftswoman

Studied: Temple Grove Seminary, Saratoga Springs, NY, 1886 (grad); Andrés Molinary in New Orleans, late 1880s; William M. Chase, 1890s; ASL, c.1900; Pratt Inst., c.1900 with A.W. Dow; Anna S. Fisher; Gustave Cimiotti, 1915 (summer); Ossip Linde in Westport (CT), c.1917 (summer); Adelaide Robineau (ceramics) at Syracuse, 1921-24 (4 summers); Henry B. Snell, 1924 (summer); Amagansett Summer Art Sch with Francis W. Swain, 1936

Exhibited: New Orleans AA, 1896-97, 1902; AWCS, 1900s-30s (prizes); AIC, 1914; PAFA; Architectural Lg, NYC; Newark Week Show, Kresge Dept. Store, 1931-42 (prizes); East Orange Pub. Lib., NJ; Pratt Institute, Brooklyn; AAPL, Springlake, NJ, 1939 (prize); Argent Gal., NYC; Montclair AM; Newark AC.

Member: New Orleans AA, 1896-97; Lefevre Studios, Newark, NJ, 1915-16; Manasquan River (NJ) Artists Group, 1932 (founder); NAWA; AAPL, 1939; NYWCC; Newark AC; Essex Co. WCC; Asbury Park Soc. Fine Arts.

Comments: Ida Stroud and her daughter, Clara (see entry) were at the forefront of a nationwide movement during the first three decades of the 20th century that helped establish watercolor as a medium uniquely suited to the spirit of American artists. During this period, she was also a highly influential art teacher at the Newark School Fine & Indust Art. An important annual AWCS award ó the Ida & Clara Stroud Award ó is endowed in their name. Ida was also a highly skilled member of the Arts & Crafts Movement, and produced ceramics with Robineau. Teaching: Newark (NJ) School Fine & Indust. Art; Stroud Studio, Point Pleasant, NJ, 1920-on; prof. of design, Summer Sch of Art, Syracuse Univ., College of Fine Arts, 1921-24 (4 summers).

Sources: WW40; Encyclopaedia of New Orleans Artists, 366-67.