Greeting Cards from Baillie Stephenson

History / Biographical: Caroyln Curtis was a local artist reknowned for her water colour works, and for paintings and etchings of historic buildings in and around St Thomas. She was born in St. Thomas, Ontario in 1903 to James D. Curtis and Dora Ferguson Curtis. She attended Wellington Street Public School and the St. Thomas Collegiate Institute, from which she graduated in 1922. She graduated from Alma College in household science in 1924, and then enrolled at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, Ontario, graduating in Commercial Art four years later. After graduation, Carolyn taught handicrafts at various organizations including the YWCA, Girl Guide camps, and at Alma College. During the Second World War, she accepted work inscribing honour rolls and lettering for government issued documents. For many years, she also inscribed the names of Alma College graduates in script on their diplomas. She eventually developed an interest in black and white etchings and water colours, and pursued additional training. These styles became her signature work, and her greeting cards featuring her artwork became collectors' items. Curtis died in 1995. Her work can be found in the Canada Council Art Bank in Ottawa, at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre and in many private homes. Information summarized from the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre's biography of Curtis.

Scope and Content: File contains greeting cards sent to and retained by Carolyn Curtis from Baillie Stephenson, many featuring artwork by D.M. Stephenson and Baillie T. Stephenson.

Website / Street View Notes: link directs to the St. Thomas Public Art Centre's website, which includes a biography of Carolyn Curtis.