RISD Class of 1897: F Usher Devoll, Eliza Gardiner and Mabel Woodward May 7, 2010

The founding of the Rhode Island School of Design in 1877 ushered in a new era of cultural enlightenment and education in Providence, Rhode Island. Graduates from this art school have made significant contributions to the art world in many arenas over the past century. The Bert Gallery pocket exhibit draws attention to three significant art personalities who graduated from RISD in 1897 and went on to national attention: F. Usher Devoll (1873-1941), Eliza Gardiner (1871-1955) and Mabel Woodward (1877-1945). This remarkable trio of artists vied for the top honors at RISD then successfully achieved their professional ambitions in competitive national exhibitions. Today they are recognized as significant contributors to American art in the late 19th and early 20th century.