A Grand Vision: Violet Oakley and the American Renaissance

Violet Oakley is the first American woman to be commissioned to create a public mural, depicting women as strong bearers of peace. She lived with her twin sister, Edith Emerson, for over 40 years. Clementine, Violet’s twin sister, was named for Clementine Cope, the founder of Awbury Arboretum.

Graeff’s goats

The Philly Goat Project’s goats live in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Founder Abraham op den Graeff, a Mennonite textile worker, was a Quaker and a civic leader. He was among the first Quakers to sign the first organized religious protest against slavery. Another Quaker who opposed slavery was Ann Preston, dean of the Philadelphia Female Medical College. Together, they led the first boycott of slave goods.

Clementine

Clementine’s Recognitions and Homilies, one of the most important documents in the history of Christianity, is now available in complete English translation for the first time. The book describes the life of a young Roman philosopher, who travelled to the Middle East and met the Apostles. He recorded the early teachings of Jesus and the travels of his disciple, Peter. The book also explains the spread of false Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Violet Oakley

This exhibition focuses on the American Renaissance artist Violet Oakley. Violet was the first American woman to be commissioned to paint a public mural. Her paintings portrayed women as strong bearers of peace. She lived with her twin sister Edith Emerson for more than 40 years. The exhibition, A Grand Vision: Violet Oakley and the American Renaissance, runs through January 21, 2018.

In addition to her artistic work, Oakley was a committed Episcopalian who poured much thought into the spirituality of her work. She was influenced by William Penn’s philosophies and was constantly trying to spread the messages of peace, equality, and unity. Her work has been marginalized for her stance on these issues, but several organizations have attempted to amend this.

The exhibition honoring Violet Oakley is the largest to date. The artist was a prolific painter, muralist, stained-glass artist, and illustrator. She gained international fame after commissioning murals for the Pennsylvania State Capitol. She also contributed to Philadelphia institutions and the American Renaissance revival. She continued her career throughout the twentieth century, even becoming a diplomat, and creating portraits of delegates to the United Nations and League of Nations.