BRANCH MEETING – APRIL 12, 2025

9:30 AM – FIRST FRIENDS CHURCH WHITTIER

Program – Ida O’Keeffe in Whittier

We have a unique program planned for April and will be meeting at the Whittier Art Gallery. Our featured speaker will be Lisa Ruiz who will speak on the artist Ida O’Keeffe (1889-1961).  Ida was also the sister of the artist Georgia O’Keeffe who overshadowed her during her lifetime. Lisa will tell us how Ida became part of Whittier’s history and why she has a gallery dedicated in her name at the Whittier Art Gallery.

We are honored to have Lisa Ruiz present the Ida O’Keeffe story. Lisa earned a BFA at Towson University and an M.A. Ed at Cambridge College focused on Arts Education and Advocacy. While pursuing a career as an art educator and leader, raising three incredible humans, pursuing advanced degrees, and advocating for the arts across California, Lisa has maintained a studio practice. Her work has been exhibited at the Whittier Art Gallery, Progress Space in Pomona, Gallery Soho in Pomona, the San Bernardino History Museum, Chaffey Art Museum, and various art festivals.

Lisa developed leadership and arts advocacy skills as a Visual and Performing Arts Teacher on Special Assignment at HLPUSD, with The California Arts Project, Inner City Arts, the Arts Ed Collective, and the LA Music Center. She is an Active Fellow and an Executive Board Member of the Whittier Art Association & Gallery. She holds an Administrative Credential, a Single-Subject Art Credential, and a CTE AME Credential.

During our meeting, you will also be able to view the exhibit, “Young at Art”, featuring works by young students from the Whittier City School Districts.  Please come join us in exploring Whittier’s artistic past and present.  Refer to the next page for meeting details.

Submitted by:

Claire Koehler, AAUW VP Program Director

Ann Topjon, Program Committee