Historical Membership Roster: W
This historical membership roster notes many of the deceased members of the Club since its inception in 1909.
This is a work-in-progress. Names not presented in boldface represent individuals who may have been members of the organization, but their involvement could not be confirmed through research of various published source materials.
Sources:
(A) = Annual CAC Exhibitions
(B) = CAC Bulletin
(H) = Edan Hughes’ Artists in California 1786 – 1940 [Third Edition, Two Volumes]
(M) = Nancy Moure’s Southern California Art
(R) = CAC Membership Roster
- WAANO-GANO, Joe Theodore (1915 – 1982)
A painter and Cherokee Indian, born in Utah. Sometimes going by ” Joe T. Noonan,” he was married to Christine Noonan. Lived in Los Angeles by the 1930’s and worked on the Public Works Art Project. His last name is sometimes seen without a hyphen. (H) (A) Artist Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) - WACHTEL, Elmer (1864 – 1929)
The possibility of CAC membership for the Wachtels remains unproven. Circumstantial evidence indicates they may have (rarely) exhibited with the Club: when the Royar Gallery in 1912 featured 25 pictures “by a few of the members of the CAC,” including Wendt, Bischoff, Puthuff and Mannheim, the Wachtels were named along with the others. (Another example is the 2nd Annual AZ Art Exhibition, Nov. 15-20, 1915 in Phoenix.) However, there is nothing that positively asserts CAC membership for either Elmer or Marion Wachtel. In 1888 Elmer became the first violinist in the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra. Student of J. (John) Bond Francisco, a well-known artist and musician who helped found the L.A. Orchestra. Both Elmer and his wife Marion are known for their works of Pasadena, Topanga Canyon, Laguna Beach and the Sierras. The Wachtels lived in Mt. Washington and the Arroyo Seco. Elmer’s brother married the sister of Guy Rose, a fellow Pasadena artist. (Antony Anderson, Art Notes, L.A. Times, Jan. 14, Feb. 4, 1912; In the Royar Gallery, Feb. 11, 1912) - WACHTEL, Marion Ida Kavanaugh (1870 – 1954)
The possibility of CAC membership for the Wachtels remains unproven. Both Marion and Elmer participated in at least two exhibitions of work that included CAC members (Royar, 1912; 2nd Annual AZ Art Exhibition, 1915), but they never exhibit work in any of the club’s major annual exhibitions, and nothing positively asserts either of them was a member of the CAC. Marion Kavanaugh was a student of William Keith in northern California who recommended that she study with Elmer Wachtel when she reached the southern part of the state. Both husband and wife actively worked and exhibited together; he most often in oil and she in watercolor (later switching to oil after his death). Her paintings of the San Gabriels and Southern California are highly sought after. (She was possibly a CAC Board Member after Elmer’s death.) (Antony Anderson, Art Notes, L.A. Times, Jan. 14, Feb. 4, 1912; In the Royar Gallery, Feb. 11, 1912) - WADE, Thelma A.
Artist Member, lived in Van Nuys. (R, 1964) (B, joined Apr. 1957) - WADSWORTH, Allen
Associate Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) - WAGNER, Robert “Rob” Leicester (1872-1942)
Born in Detroit, Wagner worked as an illustrator and an editor prior to studying in Paris at Academies Julian and Delecluse. He moved to Southern California in 1906, living in Santa Barbara until 1910 when he moved to Los Angeles. Wagner joined as an Active Member of the CAC at their second monthly meeting on February 5, 1910 at Franz Bischoff’s house; he was also made a part of the Exhibition Committee at that meeting. Wagner painted portraits when he wasn’t teaching at Manual Arts High School, and was a contributing writer to the Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s, and Paramount Studios. He died of a heart attack on July 20, 1942 while visiting Santa Barbara. CAC Exhibitions: Spring Exhibit (1917) (H) - WAGGONER, Elizabeth
An Honorary Member, Waggoner is first mentioned with the CAC in their 2nd Annual Exhibition. She studied and taught at the AIC, then moved to L.A. in 1908 to establish the Crafts Dept. at the College of Fine Arts at USC. Lived in Hollywood. CAC Exhibitions: 2nd Annual (1911) (R, 1964) - WAKEMAN, Harold
Wakeman exhibited a sculpture in the 64th Annual and two works in the 66th Annual. He was married to a wife, Virginia, and was a board member during 1976. Wakeman passed away prior to Aug. 22, 1978. (Aug. 22, 1978 letter). CAC Exhibitions: 64th Annual (1973); 66th Annual (1975); 67th Annual (1976, Board Member) - WALKER, Arlie Morey
Artist Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) - WALLIS, Grace
Artist Member, lived in Van Nuys. (R, 1964) - WALBRIDGE, Jessie Layne
Artist Member, lived in Sherman Oaks. (R, 1964) - WARD, J. Stephen (1876 – 1941)
Painter. Born in St. Joseph, MO in 1876. Ward studied with Nicholas Brewer, and Maurice Braun in San Diego. During the 1920s he lived in Glendale, CA, where he opened an art gallery with his son Thurlow Ward. By the early 1930s the elder Ward had moved to Jacksonville, OR. (H) - WARD, Louise Cooke (1888 – 1966)
Painter. Born in Harwinton, CT on Feb. 13, 1888. Ward studied at Yale School of Fine Arts. By the 1940s she had settled in Los Angeles where she remained until her demise on Oct. 16, 1966. Her work includes landscapes and portraits. (H) - WARNER, Nell Gertrude Walker (1891 – 1970)
She taught art at local girls schools and painted backgrounds for silent pictures. During the 1920’s she was the art curator for the Tuesday Afternoon Club and studied with Fechin, Werner, and Lauritz. - WATERS, Georgena F.
Artist Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) - WEBER, Kem (1889 – 1963)
Painter, designer. Born in Berlin, he apprenticed to a cabinetmaker and studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Berlin. He came to S.F. to work on commissions for the Pan-Pacific Int’l Exh. and when WWI began he was unable to return to Germany. During 1919-21 he had a studio in Santa Barbara and gave art classes, he then moved to L.A. and became director for Bullock’s Dept. Store. During the late 20’s he taught art at Occidental College and in the 30’s at the Art Center School. (Exh. with CAC 1926.) (H) (A) Mentioned in “Artistwocky,” from the Dec. 1928 issue of the CAC Bulletin. - WEBB, Corinne
Member. (B, joined Oct. 1954) - WEDBERG, Alma P.
Associate Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) - WEDEKIND, John
Artist Member, lived in El Monte. (R, 1964) Exhibited in 58th Annual, 1967 (A) - WEISZ, Ernest
Associate Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) - WELCH, Bonnie
Artist Member, lived in Healdsburg. (R, 1964) - WELLS, Jack [or Welles]
An Associate Member of the Painters’ Club of Los Angeles (elected Apr. 6, 1909), Wells joined as an Associate Member of the CAC at their second monthly meeting on February 5, 1910 at the home of Franz Bischoff. Julia Wendt exhibited a sculpture titled “Portrait of Jack Wells” in the Spring Exhibition (1918). - WENDT, Julia M. Bracken (1868 – 1942)
Sculptor, Active and Honorary CAC Member. A prolific and widely acclaimed sculptress, Julia Bracken married William Wendt and moved into the Wachtel’s former studio on Sichel Street. The Painters’ Club of Los Angeles visited the Wendt’s home on at least two occasions (William was a member, but as a woman Julia was not allowed to join). The Wendts were instrumental in creating the California Art Club from its predecessor, the Painters’ Club. Julia first appears in the new club as an exhibitor in their exhibit at the Long Beach Library (July 1910), and soon after in the 1st Annual Exhibit. The Wendts are mentioned in “Artistwocky” (Dec. 1928 CAC Bulletin). Pres. Paval awarded Honorary Life Memberships to the wives of the first 20 CAC Presidents. (B, Aug. 1955). CAC Exhibitions: 1st Annual Chautauqua Exhibit (1910); 1st Annual, 2nd Annual (1911); 3rd Annual (1912); 5th Annual (1914); 6th Annual (1915); 7th Annual (1916); 8th Annual, Spring Exhibition (1917); 9th Annual, Spring Exhibition (1918); 10th Annual; Spring Exhibition (1919); 11th Annual (1920); 12th Annual (1921); 13th Annual, Building Fund Exhibition (1922); 14th Annual (1923); 16th Annual (1925); 17th Annual (1926); 19th Annual (1928); 28th Annual (1937); 29th Annual (1938) - WENDT, William (1845 – 1946)
2nd and 4th CAC President
Wendt was elected as an Active Member of the Painters’ Club of Los Angeles on August 4, 1908, and was quite possibly a Founder (along with his wife Julia) of the California Art Club in Dec. 1909. An Active Member as well as an Exhibition Committee Member of the CAC, Wendt is often referred to as the “Dean of Southern California,” for his highly recognizable artwork. A self-taught painter, Wendt served two terms as CAC President. The Wendts are referenced in Artistwocky (Dec. 1928 CAC Bulletin); William was given the honorary office of President Emeritus in Apr. 1930 (CAC Bulletin). CAC Exhibitions: 1st Annual Chautauqua Exhibit (1910); 1st Annual, 2nd Annual (1911); 3rd Annual (1912); 4th Annual (1913); 5th Annual (1914); 6th Annual (1915); 7th Annual (1916); 8th Annual, Spring Exhibition (1917); 9th Annual, Spring Exhibition (1918); 10th Annual (1919); 11th Annual (1920); 13th Annual, Building Fund Exhibition(1922); 17th Annual (1926); 19th Annual (1928); 20th Annual (1929); 22nd Annual (1931);23rd Annual (1932); 24th Annual (1933); 25th Annual (1934); 26th Annual (1935); 27th Annual(1936); 28th Annual (1937); 29th Annual (1938); 50th Annual (1959, memorial). (LAT – joined CAC prior to Feb. 13, 1910) - WEST, Neilus
Member. Exhibited three paintings in 1978 (69th Annual). (Sept. 5, 1978 letter) - WESTON, Carol CaskeyCAC Exhibitions: Hollyhock House Opening Exhibition (1927); California Art Exhibit (1928, Bullock’s)
- WHEELER, Farris
Artist Member, lived in Cambria. (R, 1964) - WHELAN, Eva Blanche (1889 – 1974)
Studied at Stanford, L.A. School of Art and Design, and ASL in NYC. Artist Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) Blanche Whelan was part of a group of CAC artists including Edgar Payne, Anna Hills, and Granville Redmond that gathered for a moonlight picnic in Laguna Beach in 1918. (Santa Ana Daily Register, July 23, 1918, p.5, California Art Club Members Enjoy Moonlight Picnic on Cliffs) Mentioned in “Artistwocky,” from the Dec. 1928 issue of the CAC Bulletin. CAC Exhibitions: California Art Exhibit (1928, Bullock’s) - WHISMAN, C. A.
Sculptor. (B, joined Feb. 1930) - WHITE, Alfred
Member. (B, joined May 1986) - WHITE, Claretta
Authored a book on painting entitled “Claretta White Paints Still Life,” published as an oversized paperback by Walter Foster Publishing. (Exhibited in the CAC’s 50th Annual Exhibition; won a third place award.) (A) Artist Member, lived in North Hollywood. (R, 1964) - WHITE, Erma C.
Patron Member, lived in San Diego. (R, 1964) - WHITE, Florence Fisk (d. 1947)
Member. She passed away in Oct. 1947. (B – joined Oct. 1932; passed away, Dec. 1947) - WHITE, Orrin Augustine (1883 – 1969)
White first appears with the club in their 8th Annual. He worked as a professor of chemistry and textile designer. CAC Exhibitions: 8th Annual (1917); Building Fund Exhibition (1922) - WHITELEY, John H.
Principal of Gardena High School (B, joined Feb. 1932) - WHITLOCK, Frances Jeanette (1870-1952)
Whitlock first appears with the CAC in their Spring 1918 Exhibit. CAC Exhibitions: Spring Exhibition (1918) - WIECZOREK, Max(1863-1955)
Wieczorek first appears with the club in their 6th Annual. CAC Exhibitions: 6th Annual (1915); Building Fund Exhibition (1922); other annuals - WIESCZOREK, Sam
(A) - WIESE, Robert H.
Artist Member, lived in North Hollywood. (R, 1964) - WIESENDANGER, Dan
Member. (B, joined Apr. 1989) - WIKING, Antoinette
Artist Member, lived in Dana Point Knolls. (R, 1964) - WILFORD, Mary Elizabeth
Member (B, joined Aug. 1932) - WILK, Dorothea B.
Member, lived in Los Angeles. (CAC Oct. 1985 Bulletin) - WILKEN, Mae Redelfs
Artist Member, lived in Santa Monica. (R, 1964) - WILLIAMS, Myrtle
Artist Member. (Exh. in 46th CAC Annual, 1955) - WILSON, Mrs. Melba
CAC Exhibitions: Hollyhock House Opening Exhibition (1927) - WINTERMOTE, Mrs. Mamie Withers (d. 1945)
Associate Member, twice Treasurer. She passed away Sept. 1, 1945. (B – joined, Feb. 1931; Wintermote, Sept. 1945) - WINSTREL, Regina (d. 1948)
Member. (B, Dec. 1948) - WITHERS, Celeste (1891 – 1985)
Her work includes figures and portraits. - WITHERS, Edward Oscar (1896 – 1964)
20th CAC President
Born in New Zealand, he studied at Wellington College, Royal Academy, the Slade School and the Academie Julian. His wife was Peg and he had a daughter named Joan. (B, Sept., Dec. 1946) - WITHERS, Peg (Mrs. Edward) (n.d.)
Pres. Paval awarded Honorary Life Memberships to the wives of the first 20 CAC Presidents. (B, Sept., Dec. 1946; Aug. 1955) - WOERZ, Anne Marie
Member. (B, joined, June 1983) - WOLF, Hamilton Achille (1883-1967)
Illustrator, painter. Born in NYC on Sept. 11, the son of artist Henry Wolf. Studying at NAD, ASL in NYC, Academie Colarossi in Paris (1909) and with Chase, Henri, and Edward McCartan, Wolf taught at the Los Angeles School of Art & Design (1912-16) and first appears with the CAC in their Spring Exhibition of 1914. He later taught at U. of Washington at Seattle art dept. (1916-18), Santa Barbara State Teachers College (1922-24) and lecturer in art at UC Berkeley until 1928 when he joined the faculty at CCAC. After retiring from the latter in 1952, he continued painting while based in Oakland. Wolf died at the St. Helena (CA) Sanitarium on May 2. CAC Exhibitions: Spring Exhibit (1914) (H) (A) - WOLF, Marion J.
Artist Member, lived in Los Angeles. (R, 1964) - WOLFE, Ray
Lived in Glendale. (R, 1964) - WOODWARD, Herbert
Woodward was awarded first prize in one of two photographic sections (along with a year of membership with the CAC) at the First Annual G.I. Art Exhibit in Los Angeles. CAC Exhibitions: G.I. Exhibit (1946) - WOOLSEY, June
Member. (March 13, 1979 letter) - WRIGHT, Stanton MacDonald
Honorary Artist, lived in Pacific Palisades. (R, 1964) (B, joined Oct. 1954)