Gerard, Paula, 1907-1991

Painter, printmaker, teacher; Chicago, Ill.

Born in Italy to writer Helen Gerard, Italian representative to the American Federation of Art and contributor to the American Magazine of Art, International Studio and other art publications. Paula began her study of art in Italy and continued in the U.S. at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and at the Midway Studios at the University of Chicago.

Artist, printmaker, teacher, and arts administrator.

Paula Gerard was born in England in 1907 to writer Helen Gerard (1885-1935). Initially she studied art in Florence, Italy, then went on to study in Europe, most notably in Venice, Paris, and Brussels. After moving to the United States in 1936, she attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, and at the Midway Studios at the University of Chicago. After graduation she was on staff, at various times, at all three schools. Her artwork is included in collections of the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Smart Gallery at the University of Chicago, and the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida. She illustrated several books including "The Great Speckled Bird" and "Is Your Contemporary Painting More Temporary Than You Think?," which she wrote with art conservator Louis Pomerantz. Ms. Renison was married to the Argentine pianist, Herbert Renison, who for many years taught music at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music in Chicago. She died in Chicago in 1991.