Bernstein, Theresa

Theresa Bernstein (1890-2002) was an artist and writer known for her cityscape paintings of New York City. Born in Philadelphia, she dropped out of high school to study at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, and graduated in 1911 after having studied with Harriet Sartain, Elliott Daingerfield, Henry Snell and Daniel Garber. After graduation she moved to New York and had her first solo art show in 1919. Her works were widely exhibited with the National Academy of Design and the Society of Independent Artists, which she founded with John Sloan. Her early work was often criticized for being masculine for the time. Bernstein received a boost in popularity during the womens movement of the 1970s. In 1919 she married artist William Meyerowitz, and they collaborated on many art shows together. Though the couple did not have children, Bernstein supported the musical talents of her niece, songwriter Laura Nyro. In the 1980s she published two books, William Meyerowitz, The Artist Speaks and The Poetic Canvas . In addition, she published Israeli Journal in 1994, a collection of prose, poems, and art plates. Bernstein continued to work past the age of 100.

From the guide to the Theresa Bernstein letters to the Futransky family, 1958-1991, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)