By Sophia Holt-Wilson, Eiteljorg Marketing and Communications Intern

While the Eiteljorg Museum is currently closed, we look forward to some of the exciting and engaging exhibitions and programming that we hope you will join us for once we are able to open our doors.

Gene Kloss operating a printing press
Photograph
Image courtesy of Smithsonian Archives of American Art, Gene Kloss Papers, 1934-1941

The Eiteljorg Museum will exhibit prints by prolific printmaker Gene Kloss in the Myrta Pulliam Gallery of Photography as part of our yearlong theme of Honoring Women.

Gene Kloss (1903-1996) was born in Oakland, California. She is well known for her etchings of landscapes and Southwestern subject matter, particularly those in Taos, New Mexico, where she spent much of her life.

Much of Kloss’ work focuses on aspects of Pueblo life in Taos. According to Johanna M. Blume, curator of Western art, history, and culture, “She was very interested in and inspired by the different cultures in and around Taos. You see a lot of day-to-day life and people out in the marketplace, and there is also ceremonial life, dances, and celebrations.”

Blume also says that Kloss was a talented artist during a time in the 1920s and ‘30s when there were not many women working in the printmaking medium, especially in etching. 

There will be two rotations of Kloss’ work, each containing 13 to 16 pieces, in the second-floor gallery. The first rotation, already installed, is focused on Kloss’ figural work in the Southwest. The second rotation will feature some of her landscape prints from both California and the Southwest.

If you would like to learn more about the Eiteljorg’s year of Honoring Women and the events and exhibits surrounding it, please visit our webpage. 

Please continue to check www.eiteljorg.org for updates on future programming.