Showing posts with label water color. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water color. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Free Exhibit of Esther Hagstrom’s Artistic Works



Esther Painting Hagstrom was a local legend in her own right. As a teacher for the Coronado High School from 1939 to 1951 and taught children the meaning and benefit of art within their lives. She also ran the art curriculum for the school district that helped her influence the impressions of many young people. To commemorate her influence the Coronado Library is offering a glimpse into her watercolors, illustrations, and other works. 

Esther Hagstrom was a bit of a controversial woman. She was divorced at a time when few women were single or single mothers. In today’s world, being a single parent is a normal process of life and a majority of us will experience it in some way or another. Yet back in the mid 1900’s such lifestyles were certainly considered contrary to normal social expectations.  At this time it was much harder to earn and live in this way.

Esther was born in Walla Walla Washington on a wheat ranch owned by her grandparents. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Washington.  After graduation, she married a naval officer but the relationship did not last and she divorced. With a young son, she moved to California and continued to engage in graduate studies at University of Southern California, the University of California Berkeley and the San Francisco Art Institute.

Before being hired by the Coronado School District she taught private lessons in her own art studio. She also spent time as chairperson for the Coronado Art Association, membership in the San Diego Art Guild, Art Center in La Jolla and the San Diego Fine Arts Society. Her works include jewelry, oil painting, woodcarvings, watercolors, sculpture and more. She was taken from society at the ripe age of 46.

In commemoration and support of Esther Painting Hagstrom’s life and work, you can see her exhibit for free. The Coronado Library is also a beautiful place to read and learn. Check out a book while your there.

March, April and May 2013.
Price: Free
Monday-Thursday: 10am-9pm, Friday and Saturday: 10am-6:00pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm
Coronado Public Library
640 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA. 92118