Josephine M. Culbertson (May 4, 1852 – April 10, 1941), also known as J. M. Culbertson, was an American landscape painter and etcher. She was a co-founder of the Carmel Art Association located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Culbertson's dedication to the arts extended to her involvement in various clubs and associations, such as the Carmel Boys' Club and the Dicken's Club, where she fostered artistic growth and camaraderie among fellow artists.

Early life

Culbertson was born on May 4, 1852, in Shanghai, China. Her father was U.S. Marine General Michael Simpson Culbertson (1819-1862), a Presbyterian clergyman, missionary to China, academic, and author. Her mother was Mary McFarlane Dunlap (1823-1888). When her father died of cholera in 1862, their mother brought Josephine and her sister to Brooklyn, New York where she established a home for her two daughters.

Josephine attended the Parker School in Brooklyn and the Adelphi Academy from 1896 to 1897, the Adelphi College from 1899 to 1900. Ida A. Johnson was a classmate of Culbertson at Parker School and resided at their mother's residence.

Both Culbertson and Johnson made early decisions to pursue artistic careers and became friends and companions. Culbertson, guided by her passion for art, studied under the oil painter and teacher, William Merritt Chase, in New York City, Arthur W. Dow, and George Henry Smillie. She exhibited with the Brooklyn Art Association garnering recognition within the artistic community. She primarily focused on painting landscapes and seascapes, capturing the beauty of natural surroundings. After establishing a studio and salon in Brooklyn, 193 St. James Place, the two women joined forces to collaborate on a show in New York. Johnson painted a single bloom, while Culbertson depicted the same flower in its natural surroundings, showcasing their distinct artistic styles.

Career

In 1906, Culbertson and Johnson arrived in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California shortly after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and they decided to set up their art studio. They built their home, now known as "Grey Gables," located at Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue. The residence soon became a gathering place, attracting artists and young enthusiasts alike.

Culbertson and Johnson took the initiative to establish the Carmel Boys' Club, which was organized before the Boys Scouts, an organization that boasted notable names such as John and Gordy Campbell, the Taggert Wermuth, Roy Fraties (became police officer), Bob Norton (became Chief of Police), James Hopper Jr. (son of writer James Hopper), Thomas Warren, Kenneth Goold, and Billy Heron (son of Herbert Heron). Additionally, she founded the Dicken's Club, and her dedication to the arts led her to become the first president of the Carmel Art Association. The group's meetings were initially held at her home until 1927 when the current gallery was established.

In addition to her work with the Carmel Boys' Club and the Carmel Art Association, Culbertson played a role in founding the Community Church, now known as the Church of the Wayfarer, located Lincoln Street and Seventh Avenue. Her commitment extended to directing the choir and organist at the church for twenty years, where her passion for music and the arts enriched the congregation's spiritual experiences.

Despite a severe automobile accident in 1928 in Oakland, California, that left her with a permanent injury to her right arm, Culbertson remained resilient. Doctors had informed her that the loss of function in her arm would be irreversible.  However, she defied the odds and persevered, continuing her painting endeavors until just two years ago when she became bedridden.

Gray Gables

Culbertson and Johnson acquired seven lots at the southeast corner of Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, purchasing them from Frank Davendorf. In 1915, they commissioned builder M. J. Murphy to construct their modest new home, a dwelling that featured two studios. Josephine's painting studio was situated in the opposite wing of the house. Ida's studio was thoughtfully designed for ceramic work, with a window overlooking the serene garden.

They affectionately named their residence "Grey Gables," which quickly became a popular gathering place in the community. Aspiring artists sought lessons there, and both the Carmel Circle and the Dickens Club held their meetings within its welcoming walls. Frequent art exhibits were hosted at Grey Gables.

Carmel Arts and Crafts Club 

Culbertson was a member and contributor to exhibitions of the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club and the Clubs' Carmel summer program, to teach drama, painting, pottery, metalwork and a variety of other crafts. The school's instructors included Culbertson and Johnson as well as other instructors like William Merritt Chase, and Mary DeNeale Morgan. On July 6 through August 14, 1914, she taught pottery, a course with 6 lessons, for summer school program.

After several years of establishment, the club established the Arts and Crafts Theater, and Carmel's enthusiasm for play production grew exponentially, leading the theater contingent to surpass the number of painters. Consequently, many artists felt that the club no longer fully represented their interests. This sentiment prompted the formation of a local art association, one of Carmel's significant historical events.

Carmel Art Association

On August 8, 1927, nineteen Carmel artists convened to establish the an art association in the living room at Grey Gables.  Culbertson sent out invitations to various artists, seventy of whom were either local or part-time residents. Culbertson chaired the meeting at Gray Gables, and local artists, including Mary DeNeale Morgan, participated in the occasion. During this gathering, twenty artists came together, collectively deciding to establish a local art association. Before the meeting concluded, they had established the Carmel Art Association with a mission statement: "to advance art and cooperation among artists, secure a permanent exhibition space, and foster stronger fellowship between artists and the public." The first president of the Carmel Art Association was painter Pedro Joseph de Lemos. Culbertson assumed the position of vice president. Clay Otto took charge of securing a suitable gallery in a central area of Carmel for the group's exhibitions and activities.

The annual meetings of the Carmel Art Association continued to meet at Gray Gables through the early 1930s until a permeant home was selected in the fall of 1933, when the Carmel Art Association moved to its present location on Dolores Street. At this time the Association purchased Ira Remsen's former studio with a loan from businessman Barnet J. Segal.

Culbertson resided at Grey Gables until two years before her passing in 1941. After her death, Grey Gables underwent division into three parts, which were subsequently moved to the south side of 3rd Avenue, between Santa Rita and Guadalupe Streets. In its place, the Mayfair House was constructed, featuring a design by Jon Konigshofer.

Death

For nearly six decades, Culbertson and Johnson shared their lives together. Johnson passed away in March 1931. After a prolonged illness, Culbertson passed away, at the age of 88, on April 10, 1941, in Carmel, California. The funeral service took place at the Freeman-Ranacadore Chapel in Monterey, California, with Rev. James E. Crowther officiating the ceremony. Following the service, her remains were taken to Santa Cruz for cremation.

Selected works

Gallery

References

External links
 JANE KAHAN GALLERY
 askArt Artist Biography

 

1852 births
1941 deaths
Artists from Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
American musical theatre producers