Treasures By Marcella

One of the wonderful things about art is that pieces can inspire emotions and memories, regardless of the artist’s original intent. Sometimes a story or memory unspools in my mind, and I am inspired to research both the work and my memories. The works of Marcella Lewin are a prime example.

I first came across a “Marcella Lewin” collage a few years ago and loved its charm(for those of you who know me, you won’t be surprised that it was of a pink house!) Turning to the internet, I discovered her originals sell for well over $500, beyond my thrifting price bracket. I was curious about her, however, and read she is a “listed” Chicago artist. As I have absolutely no idea what “list” this refers to, I dug deeper.

Marcella was born in 1918 in Muscatine, Iowa. In 1946 and 1947 she exhibited artwork in the Art Institute of Chicago, though it is unclear if she was a student there. Both pieces were titled “North Side Scene” and were priced $85 and $100 (this is equivalent to $1350 in today’s dollars so not as inexpensive as it first seems).

I also came across a charming photo of her at an art fair in Chicago c.1960 in the Chicago Historical Society archives. She married Otto Senz and she died  in 2004 in Chicago. No answer regarding the “listed artist” notation.

Forward a few years to a recent thrift store outing where I found this artwork of a Victorian style house done in greens and yellows. I snatched it off the wall, paid $35 and left with a pounding heart. I realized what a rare treasure it was! An original Marcella Lewin, framed and in great condition. The details of the house are amazing, and it is both painted and collaged. There seems to be wallpaper and paper doilies involved! The colors are straight out of the 1970s.

The best part of the story is that a friend was so intrigued by my find she wanted to visit the same shop. The next day we ventured off, and while there, I came across ANOTHER piece by Marcella Lewin – this amazing hand drawn carousel and street scene. Framed as is it cost me $10. I could hardly believe my luck! Check out the amazing details!

Carousels have always been special to me, and I recently did some internet searching to recall childhood details. When I was about 6 we moved to upstate New York near the city of Binghamton. To quote the City of Binghamton’s website about this wonderful story:

“Between 1919 and 1934, George F. Johnson (1857-1948)…donated six beautiful carousels to [Binghamton]…He felt carousels contributed to a happy life and would help youngsters grow into strong and useful citizens. Because of his own poor childhood, “George F.” believed carousels should be enjoyed by everyone and insisted that the municipalities never charge money for a magic ride.

Now, into their tenth decade, these magnificent machines still spin from Memorial Day to Labor Day at no charge …In a day when nothing is free, we boast the world’s greatest entertainment bargain!”

No wonder I have many childhood memories of riding wonderful old carousels as I suspect my parents took us to these free rides many times over the two years we lived there. Unclear if it assisted me in my strength and usefulness, however.

So back to my two Marcella Lewin treasures.

During my childhood in the 1960s, it was legal for banks to refuse loans and credit to unmarried women, or require a husband’s permission for married applicants. In addition, a married woman, into the 1970s, could not own property independently of her husband, including bank accounts, unless they had signed a special contract.

One thing that was important to my mom was that she had her own money. Starting in the early 1960s, my father actually PAID her a salary for her work raising 7 children. When the time came for our family to move from Binghamton, NY to Darien, CT my mother argued that the house should be in her name as she did all the work to find, move and decorate the house. Dad agreed – again very unusual for 1970 - and our Darien home was held in my mother’s name only. From then on Mom owned the real estate, and made all the decisions regarding where they lived. She was very proud to have her own assets, and felt strongly that women needed independence.

When I see the charming yellow house by Marcella Lewin, I think of my mom who insisted her worth be recognized. Certainly, my father enabled this, both with his successful career, but also with his understanding of my mother’s need for financial independence. The Carousel artwork also harkens back to that pivotal time in my mom’s life, when her 7 children rode antique wooden rides in town parks in the 1960s. Those rides have remained with me, inspiring my love of circus and carousels, and bring positive memories with them.

I hope others will find a treasured Marcella Lewin artwork and share the memories they inspire. Her work deserves to be recognized!