Constance Forsyth

Constance Forsyth (1903-1987) was a nationally renowned American artist. She was a notable artist in the development of printmaking from 1900-1950. She was born in Indianapolis. In 1925 she received a B.A. in chemistry from Butler University, and in 1929 she received a diploma from the John Herron Art Institute. In spring 1930 as well as 1927-1928 she studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. In 1932 and 1934 she spent the summers studying at the Broadmoor Art Academy. She helped Thomas Hart Benton work on the Indiana murals for the Century of Progress International Exposition, which was held in 1933. She was also part of the Irvington Group of artists in Irvington, Indiana. From 1940 until her retirement in 1973 she taught at the University of Texas at Austin; she was the first female faculty member hired by their art department, where she headed their printmaking department. As of 1973, her work had been exhibited in six countries, including the United States, and she had received several national prizes. In 1985 she received the Southern Graphics Council's Printmakers Emeritus Award. She belonged to the Hoosier Salon and the Society of Print Makers, and was important to the founding of and activities of the Texas Printmakers Guild. She was the daughter of artist William Forsyth.