Violet
Parkhurst was born in Derby Line, VT, April 26, 1921, and attended the
School of Practical Arts in Boston, and Baylor College in Waco, Texas and
the Museum in Rio de Janeiro. Violet finished her formal training in the
arts at Los Angeles City College.
Her legendary seascapes are collected by
over five million people around the world including four US Presidents, two
Presidents of China, King of Saudi Arabia, and a host of celebrities including
her very first admirer Clark Gable.
Parkhurst paintings are on permanent
collection in dozens of museums around the world including the China National
Museum of Fine Art and the Stockholm Museum. She has also been on exhibit in
the Louvre and Prado Museums.
In the Spring of 2002, Violet Parkhurst was
honored as the first western artist to have paintings in the collections of The
Great Hall of the Peoples Republic of China and the China National Museum of
Fine Arts, and was installed as Professor Emeritus at the Jilin Art College.
In 2005 Violet Parkhurst, through the
efforts of Councilwoman Janice Hahn and Larry Covin, was honored for her
contribution to the arts by the City of Los Angeles, with a resolution granting
her a namesake day, Violet Parkhurst Day, November 3rd.
Her lifetime philanthropic contributions
included serving on the Board of Directors for the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise
Service with two years service as President. Her artwork has been seen on the
cover of the program for the past 20+ years.
Violet Parkhurst’s contribution to
cross-cultural philanthropy is evident in her position as chairwoman of the
World American Cultural Exchange, as well as her early work as a foreign
correspondent.
She is remembered as an avid animal lover
and supporter of animal rights, with a distinguished history with such
organizations as Actors and Others for Animals.
In recognition of her lifetime achievement
Violet is listed in Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in International Art,
Community Leaders, Noteworthy Americans and American Artists of Renown.
World renowned marine artist Violet Kinney
Parkhurst passed away Sunday January 13, 2008 in San Pedro, California.
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