Bena Virginia Frank Mayer (American, 1900 - 1994), Joy of Summer

watercolor and gouache on paper, signed at lower right, matted, unframed.
Sheet size 22 1/4 x 31 in. DOA 30 x 35 3/4 in.
New York City artist Bena Mayer studied at the Cooper Union, Hunter College, and the Art Students League, under artists such as Kenneth Hayes Miller, Gifford Beal, Cecilia Beaux, George Luks, and Stuart Davis. She was married to artist and author Ralph Mayer, and the couple were prominent among artist groups and institutions in the city.

She was a member of the Art Students League, the Brooklyn Society of Artists, and the National Association of Women Artists. She served as the president and director of the New York Society of Women Artists from 1952 to 1953. Mayer exhibited with the Southern States League, Carnegie Institute, Salons of America, and numerous others.
Gifted by the artist to the Aldred Khouri Memorial Collection of the Norfolk Museum, 1963.
From the Collection of Professor Roberto Severino, Washington, D.C.
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Waviness and allover toning to paper, tear at upper right, scattered spotting, mounted to mat at verso of each side.