Cherry, Emma Richardson, 1859-1954

Emma Richardson Cherry was a well known Texas artist whose active career in the state spanned the years 1900-1940. She helped found the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in 1900 and exhibited at the museum over 30 times in solo and group shows during her extensive career. Cherry also exhibited her art works in numerous other exhibitions and museums, most notably in the south and southwest regions of the U.S. She established her own art studio and art school in Houston around 1900 and trained numerous local artists. Cherry is best known for her portrait paintings, landscapes and still lifes.

E. Richardson Cherry resided in Houston between the years of 1892 and 1954. Her works, primarily in oil or watercolor, depicted landscapes, still lives, and portraits. She was perhaps the city's best known artist for half a century.

Ms. Cherry was born on Februay 28, 1859 in Aurora, Illinois. She initially attended the Art Institute of Chicago, and then the Art Student League in New York City. Following this period, she studied in Paris and Italy.

Upon completion of her studies, she began teaching at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. In 1887, she married Dillon Brooke Cherry. After five years of living in Denver, Colorado, the couple moved to Houston, Texas. There, Mrs. Cherry worked as a painter and arts promoter. She was director of the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin and worked to organize the San Antonio Art League. It was during this time that Mrs. Cherry helped found the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. She and her husband remained permanent residents of Houston.