Eileen Harris Norton : Art Collector

In our post Art Collecting - Your Passion? Your Calling ? We mentioned reading an article about an art collector whose passion for collecting has had a tremendous impact on the lives of the people around her.  This outstanding woman is Eileen Harris Norton. 

Mrs Norton’s transformation from arts enthusiast to prominent collector began in 1976 when Mrs. Norton purchased her first work of art at the insistence of her mother —a linocut by LA. artist /activist Ruth Waddy . The duo attended a demonstration by Waddy after seeing an article about a museum exhibiting the artists’ work. A public school teacher from Watts, Los Angeles, CA ,  Mrs Norton was exposed to arts and culture by her family whose interests included attending museums, operas,  theatre and dance. After marrying she and her husband explored LA  galleries and artists’ studios in their community just enjoying art.  Although they “… had no money to buy any art” they enjoyed looking at the art and meeting some of the artists”.  With financial success the couple eventually …”could buy a little, and then it became a real thing.“  Fast forward 50 years —in addition to Mrs. Norton’s endeavors as a collector and philanthropist she is credited for changing the landscape of art in Los Angeles and heralded by the artists she championed through her generous support and efforts to establish impactful pathways to garner exposure for their careers. 

We had not known of Ms. Norton until reading an article in the L.A.Times covering an exhibition of a portion of her collection . We were immediately struck with a sense of  gratitude and pride over Ms Norton’s accomplishments. It was like the first time we read a Black History book and learned about the significant contributions made by Blacks . Or reading “A History of African American Artists  1792-Present“ by Romaine Bearden and Harry Hamilton and seeing  the foot print of fellow artists and appreciating the way forward they paved for me. Mrs. Norton intentionally sought out Black artists with a particular focus on black women artists whose work was underrepresented in museums and institutions. Mrs. Norton has selflessly sown into the lives of artists and her community and Praise God she has reaped a harvest of blessings. Her collection of then unknown or little know artists are now on a list of who’s who and prized. She humbly states ’I’ve collected all this art. I’ve met a lot of these artists. I’ve had a very interesting life. I never imagined this. I just thought I’d retire as an elementary school teacher!“ .  Find out more about Eileen Harris Norton using the link  below. Be Blessed !

The Forgotten Her Story -  Eileen Harris Norton 

https://www.theforgottenherstory.com/eileen-harris-norton