Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Case, Elizabeth
- Abstract:
- The bulk of the collection is comprised of the multidisciplinary works of Elizabeth Case. Paintings, illustrations, sketches, animation, poetry, spoken word and written works are the artistic disciplines represented in the collection. The personal papers of Elizabeth Case are at a minimum; however, a compilation of editorials, personal photographs and photograph slides from exhibitions as well as certificates of her lifetime achievements provide a unique perspective of the artist.
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and Content:
The collection is comprised of two major components: the art of Elizabeth Case containing paintings, illustrations, animations, sketches, poetry, spoken word and written works, and photographs (photographic slides) of Case’s artwork, exhibitions and personal photographs.
The collection contains 77 paintings and sketches including numerous other journals and binders. The journals are comprised of notes, short stories, poems, and rough sketches. A spoken word phonograph record and compact disc of her narration of two original poems, “Pax” and “Dig” as well as a collection titled, “Zero to Sixty in 15 minutes” from 2001 are highlights of the collection.
The collection contains binders with programs, newspaper articles, and correspondence about her exhibitions. The majority of the photographs and photograph slides are of her artwork, murals and photographs from exhibitions.
The collection primarily documents the creative life and output of Elizabeth Case. Documents about the artist’s personal life are at a minimum.
- Biographical / Historical:
Elizabeth Case was born in Long Beach, California to parents Nelson Case II, a beloved radio announcer, and Sarah Lee Odend’hal. Case attended Elmira College, the French Institute, and the Art Student’s League.
Case became one of the first female animation artists for Walt Disney in 1956 at the age of 26. She worked as an animator on the Walt Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty. After being laid off at the completion of the film, Case walked away from animation. By the age of 29, Case was writing and reading poetry in San Francisco where she was known as “Mother of the Beat Generation.”
In another career turn, Case was hired as the U.S. Navy Combat Artist. Later she would forge a career as a muralist, completing projects for the Church of the Good Shepard in Fort Lee, New Jersey, the Los Angeles County Hospital, and the New Jersey Public Library.
Case served on the Board of Directors of the National Society of Mural Painters. While on the board, Case wrote the mural handbook and published several articles in major art periodicals. She received many distinction for her life’s work including “Who’s Who in America,” ”Who’s Who of American Women,” “Who’s Who in American Art,” and “Who’s Who in the Cast;” along with several achievement and appreciation certificates from Elmira College.
Elizabeth Case died in 2006 at the age of 76.
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
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Unrestricted
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
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Unrestricted
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
- CONTACT:
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