HELEN L. SMITH (FREDERICK, MARYLAND, 1894-1997) DECORATED TOLEWARE TRAY, elongated octagonal form with pierced border and handle at each end, bright polychrome-enamel flowers and grapes to center, gilt vines to border, not signed. Second half 20th century. 1 1/4" H, 22" x 16 1/4".
Catalogue Note: Helen Smith was a renowned artist and art teacher for over 80 years in her hometown of Frederick, MD. She graduated in 1916 from the Maryland Institute of Art and then taught art at Hood College for the next eight years. In 1925, when women were not typically entrepreneurs, Smith opened an art studio, the Palette Shop, in downtown Frederick. She continued to paint at her studio in Braddock Heights until shortly before her death. Her art encompasses paintings, portraits, silhouettes, furniture, tole, china, and clocks. Smith was commissioned to paint Frederick's clustered spires seal for the city's 1945 bicentennial and the large "Justice" mural in City Hall. She achieved national acclaim in 1985 when she restored the "lost" mural at 91 years of age.

From a West Virginia private collection.
Purchased at the estate auction of the artist.

Excellent condition.