Doris Bass Andrews (1920–2003) was an American artist and historic preservationist known for her efforts to protect Weir Farm in Connecticut, an important site for American Impressionism.[1]
Early life and education
editAndrews was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1920. She attended the Erskine School in Boston and served as a Morse code telegraph operator during World War II. Post-war, she pursued art education at the Art Students League in Manhattan.[2][3]
Career
editAndrews married Sperry Andrews, a fellow artist, in 1947. The couple became prominent watercolor painters and collaborated artistically while advocating for historic preservation.[4]
In the late 1950s, Andrews and Sperry purchased the Weir Farm, historically associated with the Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. Recognizing the farm's cultural and historical significance, they spearheaded efforts to prevent its commercial development. Their campaign culminated in the establishment of Weir Farm as a National Historic Site in 1990.[5][4]
Legacy
editAndrews' dedication to preserving Weir Farm helped maintain a vibrant artistic community and protect a landmark of American art history. She received the Connecticut Nature Conservancy's White Oak Award in 1977 for her conservation efforts at the Weir Farm. She died in 2003 in Danbury, Connecticut.[1][5][6]
References
edit- ^ a b Pace, Eric (2003-06-22). "Doris Andrews, 82, Advocate for Weir Farm". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Adrews, Doris (1920–2003) | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Sperry and Doris Andrews: Artists with A Sense of History". Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ a b Potts, Monica (2005-08-16). "Sperry Andrews, 87, Painter Who Preserved Weir Home, Is Dead". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ a b "Doris Andrews - Weir Farm National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Doris Andrews Obituary (2003) - Louisville, KY - Courier-Journal". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-04-25.