Portrait of Mary Purser - Stuart Purser
Oil
c. 1943
On Loan from Donald N. Cavanaugh & Edward G. Blue
Stuart Purser
1907-1986
Mary Purser
1913-1986
Stuart Purser was an artist, professor, and chair Stuart Purser was an artist, professor, and chair of the University of Florida Art Department from 1952-1957. He and his wife Mary, also an artist, were actively involved in GFAA for many years. Stuart became president of GFAA for two years (1956-1957) right after he resigned from UF. Mary received an MFA from UF and eventually went on to become a professor in art education. There are many news articles in our archive showing that Mary won several awards through GFAA for her artwork.
Stuart and Mary are examples of the close connection that UF and GFAA have had through the years, beginning with lectures and collaborations and continuing today with in-kind UF student shows being held at the gallery and UF professors and Harn Museum curators serving as judges for monthly exhibitions.