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{{Short description|American painter (1937 - 2011)}} |
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{{Infobox artist |
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| name = Carolyn Heller |
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| image = Carolyn Froshin Heller.jpg |
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| image_size = |
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| caption = |
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| birth_name = Carolyn Frohsin |
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| birth_date = {{birth date |1937|1|9|}} |
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| birth_place = Alexander City, Alabama, United States |
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| death_date = {{death date and age |2011|8|22|1937|1|9|}} |
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| death_place = Tampa, Florida, United States |
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| known_for = Painting, decorative |
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| training = H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, University of South Florida, Tampa Museum of Art |
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| movement = |
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| notable_works = |
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| patrons = Ronda Storms |
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| awards = |
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}} |
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'''Carolyn Heller''' (9 January 1937 – 22 August 2011) was a [[Florida]] [[painter]] and [[decorative arts|decorative artist]]. She painted primarily in the realm of [[decorative art]]s, using bright colors and often [[tropical]] motifs. |
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==Early life and education== |
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CAROLYN F. HELLER |
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Carolyn Frohsin Heller (9 January 1937 – 22 August 2011), was a [[Florida]] artist who created works of bold shape and vivid color. She was influenced by [[abstract expressionism]] early in her 60-year career, yet her style evolved to embrace an unambiguous and playful vitality that mirrored her personality. Passionate about public art, she was a member of the Arts Council of [[Hillsborough_County,_Florida|Hillsborough County]] and helped establish the county’s Public Art Committee. In 1997, the Tampa AIDS Network commissioned her to create its annual signature work for its Art for Life benefit. |
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She was born Carolyn Frohsin in [[Alexander City, Alabama]] in 1937.<ref name=Meacham>{{cite web|last=Meacham|first=Andrew|title=Carolyn Heller, artist and friend, leaves colorful legacy|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/carolyn-heller-artist-and-friend-leaves-colorful-legacy/1188457|work=Epilogue|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|accessdate=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214121201/http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/carolyn-heller-artist-and-friend-leaves-colorful-legacy/1188457|archive-date=14 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Her parents, Ralph and Frances, were the owners of the Alabama-based [[Frohsins Department Store]].<ref name=Cabrera/> She attended [[H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College]] and studied art. She married lawyer Edward Heller in 1958.<ref name=Meacham/> |
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==BACKGROUND AND PERSONAL LIFE== |
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She started drawing and painting in the 1950s. Beginning with print-making, wood-cuts and acrylics on canvas, she expanded into [[mixed-media]] on fabric, furniture and other everyday items. She crafted jewelry and silk scarves. In every context, her work was sensual and full of energy. |
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==Mid-life and career== |
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An [[Alabama]] native, Carolyn studied fine arts at [[Sophie Newcomb College]] at [[Tulane University]] in [[New Orleans]] and continued her training at the [[University of South Florida]] in [[Tampa]], where she lived for more than 50 years. She also studied at the [[Tampa Museum of Art]]. |
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Heller painted beyond canvas on easels, painting objects ranging from [[chair]]s to [[pool table]]s.<ref name=Meacham/> She painted primarily in [[acrylic paint|acrylic]].<ref name=Cabrera>{{cite web|last=Cabrera|first=Cloe|title=Tampa artist was 'vibrant, full of life'|url=http://tbo.com/news/tampa-artist-was-vibrant-full-of-life-253030|work=Local news|publisher=Tampa Tribune|accessdate=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212030848/http://tbo.com/news/tampa-artist-was-vibrant-full-of-life-253030|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Throughout the 1950s and 1970s, her work was heavily themed around [[flower]]s. In the 2000s, her paintings became more [[abstract art|abstract]], with her continued use of bold colors.<ref name=TBT>{{cite web|title=Exhibition pays tribute to Carolyn Heller|url=http://tbo.com/local/communitynewsexhibition-pays-tribute-to-carolyn-heller-647384|work=Community News|publisher=Tampa Bay Tribune|accessdate=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212030845/http://tbo.com/local/communitynewsexhibition-pays-tribute-to-carolyn-heller-647384|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was during the 2000s when she started producing decorative arts. She designed jewelry and [[textile]]s, and also produced [[serigraph]]s. Her studio was located in her garage. She painted while watching television, with an affinity for [[adult animation]].<ref name=Cabrera/> To sell her work, she hosted [[happy hour]] events at her house to entertain potential patrons and buyers. Patrons of Heller included [[Ronda Storms]].<ref name=Meacham/> She studied and worked closely with, [[Syd Solomon]], [[Ida Kohlmeyer]], and [[William Pachner]].<ref name=Cabrera/> |
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She was drawn to the abstract, its free form and vibrancy in artists she admired, such as [[Ida Kohlmeyer]], [[Elaine de Kooning]], [[Syd Solomon]] and other [[abstract expressionists]]. Heller became known for her serigraphs and original acrylic paintings but added color to just about anything she could including fabrics, jewelry, placemats and garden tools. She painted a pool table for a customer, a chair for Florida Senator [[Ronda Storms]] and the awning outside Smith Brothers Framing Inc. along a major highway in Tampa. |
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===1960s=== |
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Later in life, Carolyn looked to the natural, tropical world for inspiration. Her intention was irreverent and flirtatious: fruit, flowers and insects were depicted with elegance and humor. She gave her fish sly expressions and bright lipstick. She endowed her blushing pears with full-figured rear ends. Her wide-ranging works are held in private and public collections across the United States and have been featured in galleries, art shows and exhibitions in Florida and the Southeast. |
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Heller moved to [[Tampa, Florida]], with Edward, in 1961. She quickly became involved in the arts community.<ref name=Meacham/> She took classes at the [[University of South Florida]] and [[Tampa Museum of Art]].<ref name=Cabrera/> She had four children with Edward: Alan, Emily, Janet, and Fran. After the children went to college, she became a full-time artist.<ref name=Cabrera/> They lived in the [[Hyde Park, Florida|Hyde Park]] neighborhood of Tampa. She lived in the neighborhood until her death.<ref name=Lohn>{{cite web|last=Lohn|first=Anjuli|title=Late artist's family uncovers hidden trove of prints|url=http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/19919440/2012/10/25/late-artists-family-uncovers-hidden-trove-of-prints|work=Bio|publisher=FOX 13 News|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref><ref name=Sheehan/> |
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===1970s=== |
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She was passionate about gardening and [[public art]]. She was a long-serving member of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, that funds cultural services. She also helped establish the county’s Public Art Committee, which selects and purchases artwork for public display. She also was a [[human rights]] advocate. |
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In the late 1970s, Heller and Edward divorced.<ref name=Meacham/> |
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Carolyn is survived by son Alan Heller; daughters Emily, Janet and Fran Heller; brothers Ralph and Henry Frohsin and five grandchildren. Carolyn’s family seeks to honor her memory in an online gallery, permanently exhibiting works from her collection. |
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==Later life and legacy== |
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CAROLYN F. HELLER GRANT |
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The Carolyn F. Heller Grant is an award that was established in 2012 and is presented through the Hillsborough Arts, Inc., a support organization for the Arts Council of Hillsborough County. It is a permanent award presented annually to the top-scoring artist in the Council’s Individual Artist Grant Program. With a goal of advancing the professional growth of new and established artists in the Tampa Bay Area, the award is based partially on the impact of the artist or proposed project in the community. |
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In 1996, she joined the [[public art]] board of the [[Hillsborough Arts Council]]. She left the council in 2004.<ref name=Meacham/> She was supporter of the Tampa AIDS Network, donating artworks to their fundraising auctions.<ref name=Meacham/> She died in August 2011, of a [[blood clot]], at [[Tampa General Hospital]].<ref name=Meacham/> |
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The 2013 winner was Michael Parker, who painted murals along a major highway in Tampa, celebrating the [[Ybor City]] district for its rich history, tradition and diversity. The inaugural recipient was Arnolkis Turro, a Cuban born artist residing in [[Brandon, Florida]] who wanted to study art during a month-long residency at the [[Vermont Studio Center]]. |
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Approximately 150 works were held by Heller upon her death. The works are on display via an online gallery created by her family.<ref name=Sheehan>{{cite web|last=Sheehan|first=Keeley|title=Family of Carolyn Heller to share her art online, in museum exhibit|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/family-of-carolyn-heller-to-share-her-art-online-in-museum-exhibit/1258535/|work=News|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=9 December 2013}}</ref> Her family discovered a collection of never published prints in her house. A selection of the prints were loaned to a local community center to teach children about art appreciation.<ref name=Lohn/> The Carolyn F. Heller Grant is awarded annually, in the memory of Heller, by the Hillsborough Arts Council.<ref name=Spencer>{{cite web|last=Spencer|first=Camille|title=Artist Receives Carolyn F. Heller Grant Award|url=http://southtampa.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/xx-e063f1a1|work=News|publisher=South Tampa-Hyde Park Patch|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> |
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COMMUNITY AND EXHIBITIONS |
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In addition to her work for the Tampa AIDS Network, Heller was known for helping non-profit organizations and celebrating up and coming artists from places such as the MacDonald Training Center and Pyramid Inc. |
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==Major exhibitions== |
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After her death, her family held a class with elementary school children and donated art to the after school program in the neighborhood where she resided, the Kate Jackson Community Center. They family also launched a memorial website and online virtual gallery of her works. |
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*''Pieces of a Dream'', group show, 2009, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida<ref name=TT1>{{cite web|title='Pieces Of A Dream' Debuts Emerging Artists|url=http://tbo.com/south-tampa/pieces-of-a-dream-debuts-emerging-artists-217601|work=South Tampa News|publisher=Tampa Tribune|accessdate=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309055703/http://www.tbo.com/south-tampa/pieces-of-a-dream-debuts-emerging-artists-217601|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Heller's work has been exhibited posthumously at venues such as Tampa's downtown John F. Germany Library and the [[Tampa Museum of Art]]. |
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*Retrospective, solo show, 2013, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, Florida<ref name=Sheehan/> |
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==Major collections== |
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*''Hot Flashes'', [[Tampa General Hospital]], Tampa, Florida<ref name=Cabrera/> |
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*''Tampa Stars'', [[Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System]], Tampa, Florida<ref name=CN1>{{cite web|title=Tampa Stars|url=http://culturenow.org/entry&permalink=07807&seo=Tampa-Stars_Carolyn-Heller-and-Hillsborough-County-Public-Art|publisher=Culture Now|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> |
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== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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*{{official website|http://carolynhellerart.com/}} |
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{{authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Heller, Carolyn}} |
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[[Category:1937 births]] |
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[[Category:2011 deaths]] |
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[[Category:20th-century American painters]] |
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[[Category:21st-century American painters]] |
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[[Category:Painters from Alabama]] |
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[[Category:Artists from Tampa, Florida]] |
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[[Category:Tulane University alumni]] |
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[[Category:People from Alexander City, Alabama]] |
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[[Category:20th-century American women painters]] |
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[[Category:21st-century American women painters]] |
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Latest revision as of 19:36, 11 July 2024
Carolyn Heller | |
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| Born | Carolyn Frohsin January 9, 1937 Alexander City, Alabama, United States |
| Died | August 22, 2011 (aged 74) Tampa, Florida, United States |
| Education | H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, University of South Florida, Tampa Museum of Art |
| Known for | Painting, decorative |
| Patron(s) | Ronda Storms |
Carolyn Heller (9 January 1937 – 22 August 2011) was a Florida painter and decorative artist. She painted primarily in the realm of decorative arts, using bright colors and often tropical motifs.
Early life and education
[edit]She was born Carolyn Frohsin in Alexander City, Alabama in 1937.[1] Her parents, Ralph and Frances, were the owners of the Alabama-based Frohsins Department Store.[2] She attended H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College and studied art. She married lawyer Edward Heller in 1958.[1]
Mid-life and career
[edit]Heller painted beyond canvas on easels, painting objects ranging from chairs to pool tables.[1] She painted primarily in acrylic.[2] Throughout the 1950s and 1970s, her work was heavily themed around flowers. In the 2000s, her paintings became more abstract, with her continued use of bold colors.[3] It was during the 2000s when she started producing decorative arts. She designed jewelry and textiles, and also produced serigraphs. Her studio was located in her garage. She painted while watching television, with an affinity for adult animation.[2] To sell her work, she hosted happy hour events at her house to entertain potential patrons and buyers. Patrons of Heller included Ronda Storms.[1] She studied and worked closely with, Syd Solomon, Ida Kohlmeyer, and William Pachner.[2]
1960s
[edit]Heller moved to Tampa, Florida, with Edward, in 1961. She quickly became involved in the arts community.[1] She took classes at the University of South Florida and Tampa Museum of Art.[2] She had four children with Edward: Alan, Emily, Janet, and Fran. After the children went to college, she became a full-time artist.[2] They lived in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Tampa. She lived in the neighborhood until her death.[4][5]
1970s
[edit]In the late 1970s, Heller and Edward divorced.[1]
Later life and legacy
[edit]In 1996, she joined the public art board of the Hillsborough Arts Council. She left the council in 2004.[1] She was supporter of the Tampa AIDS Network, donating artworks to their fundraising auctions.[1] She died in August 2011, of a blood clot, at Tampa General Hospital.[1]
Approximately 150 works were held by Heller upon her death. The works are on display via an online gallery created by her family.[5] Her family discovered a collection of never published prints in her house. A selection of the prints were loaned to a local community center to teach children about art appreciation.[4] The Carolyn F. Heller Grant is awarded annually, in the memory of Heller, by the Hillsborough Arts Council.[6]
Major exhibitions
[edit]- Pieces of a Dream, group show, 2009, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida[7]
- Retrospective, solo show, 2013, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, Florida[5]
Major collections
[edit]- Hot Flashes, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida[2]
- Tampa Stars, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, Tampa, Florida[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i Meacham, Andrew. "Carolyn Heller, artist and friend, leaves colorful legacy". Epilogue. Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g Cabrera, Cloe. "Tampa artist was 'vibrant, full of life'". Local news. Tampa Tribune. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ "Exhibition pays tribute to Carolyn Heller". Community News. Tampa Bay Tribune. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ a b Lohn, Anjuli. "Late artist's family uncovers hidden trove of prints". Bio. FOX 13 News. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ a b c Sheehan, Keeley. "Family of Carolyn Heller to share her art online, in museum exhibit". News. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ Spencer, Camille. "Artist Receives Carolyn F. Heller Grant Award". News. South Tampa-Hyde Park Patch. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ "'Pieces Of A Dream' Debuts Emerging Artists". South Tampa News. Tampa Tribune. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ "Tampa Stars". Culture Now. Retrieved 9 December 2013.