Introduction

Candace Wheeler was a prominent American designer and artist who made significant contributions to the field of decorative arts. Born in 1827, she grew up in the midst of the American Industrial Revolution and witnessed the rise of mass-produced goods and machine-made textiles. Wheeler, however, championed traditional craftsmanship and believed that beauty could be found in handcrafted objects.

Wheeler’s design work was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which advocated for the revival of traditional craftsmanship and the use of natural materials. She co-founded the design firm Associated Artists and was also involved in the founding of the Society of Decorative Art, which aimed to promote the use of artistic designs in everyday objects.

Wheeler’s impact on the art scene in Georgia cannot be understated. Her design work, which included furniture, textiles, and stained glass, can be found in many notable buildings in Georgia, such as the Carnegie Library in Atlanta and the Lucas Theatre in Savannah. Her contributions to American design and decorative arts continue to be celebrated and honored today.

Early Life and Education

Candace Wheeler was born Candace Thurber in Delhi, New York, in 1827. Her parents were middle-class farmers, and she grew up in a rural setting. Wheeler developed an early interest in art and design and spent much of her childhood drawing and painting.

At the age of 17, Wheeler enrolled in the Female School of Design in New York City, which later became part of the Cooper Union. Here, she studied under the renowned artist and designer Walter Smith, who had a profound influence on her early design style.

Wheeler’s interest in design was further cultivated during her travels to Europe, where she was exposed to a range of artistic styles and techniques. She studied painting in Rome and also spent time in Paris, where she was introduced to the work of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement.

Upon her return to the United States, Wheeler continued to develop her design skills and began creating furniture, textiles, and stained glass. Her early design work was heavily influenced by the natural world, and she often incorporated botanical motifs and organic shapes into her designs.

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Career Beginnings

After completing her studies in Europe, Candace Wheeler returned to New York City and began her career as a designer and artist. She quickly gained recognition for her work, which combined traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.

In 1877, Wheeler co-founded the design firm Associated Artists, along with Louis Comfort Tiffany, Samuel Colman, and Lockwood de Forest. The firm specialized in creating decorative arts, such as furniture, textiles, and stained glass, that emphasized the use of traditional materials and techniques. Wheeler was particularly known for her work in textiles, and she developed a range of new techniques that allowed for the production of high-quality, handcrafted fabrics.

In addition to her work with Associated Artists, Wheeler was also involved in the founding of the Society of Decorative Art in 1877. The organization aimed to promote the use of artistic designs in everyday objects and encouraged the revival of traditional craftsmanship. Wheeler served as the society’s first president and was a key figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement.

Wheeler’s early career in New York City laid the foundation for her later success as a designer and artist. Her commitment to traditional craftsmanship and her emphasis on the importance of beauty in everyday objects would continue to shape her work throughout her life.

Design Contributions in Georgia

Candace Wheeler’s impact on the art scene in Georgia was significant. She created many notable designs for buildings in Georgia, particularly in Atlanta and Savannah. Wheeler’s work can still be seen today in many of these buildings, and her designs have become an important part of Georgia’s cultural heritage.

One of Wheeler’s most notable design projects in Georgia was the Carnegie Library in Atlanta. Wheeler was responsible for designing the interior of the library, which included the creation of handcrafted furniture, textiles, and decorative elements. Her designs for the library reflected her commitment to traditional craftsmanship and the use of natural materials.

Wheeler also worked on the Lucas Theatre in Savannah, which was originally built as a movie theater in the 1920s. Wheeler’s design for the theater included the creation of stained glass windows and decorative elements that reflected the theater’s Art Deco style.

In addition to these notable projects, Wheeler created many other designs for buildings in Georgia, including private residences, churches, and commercial buildings. Her work in Georgia helped to establish her as one of the most important designers of her time, and her influence on the art scene in Georgia can still be seen today.

Legacy and Impact

Candace Wheeler’s legacy and impact on design and decorative arts in Georgia are still evident today. Her commitment to traditional craftsmanship and the use of natural materials helped to establish a new design aesthetic in Georgia and contributed to the growth of the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States.

Wheeler’s influence on the art scene in Georgia can be seen in many of the buildings she designed, as well as in the work of other designers who were inspired by her designs. Her emphasis on the importance of beauty in everyday objects continues to shape the design community in Georgia and beyond.

Beyond Georgia, Wheeler’s impact on the art scene and design community was significant. She was a key figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement and helped to establish a new standard for design that emphasized the use of traditional materials and techniques. Her work continues to inspire designers today and is celebrated as an important part of American design history.

Conclusion

Candace Wheeler’s life and legacy in Georgia were marked by her significant contributions to American design and decorative arts. Her commitment to traditional craftsmanship and her emphasis on the importance of beauty in everyday objects helped to establish a new standard for design in Georgia and contributed to the growth of the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States.

Wheeler’s impact on the art scene and design community in Georgia can still be seen today in many of the buildings she designed and in the work of other designers who were inspired by her designs. Her legacy extends beyond Georgia to the broader design community, where she is celebrated as an important figure in American design history.

Recognizing and honoring Candace Wheeler‘s contributions to American design and decorative arts is important not only to celebrate her accomplishments but also to inspire future generations of designers. Her commitment to traditional craftsmanship, her emphasis on beauty in everyday objects, and her advocacy for women’s rights continue to shape the design community today, making her an enduring and influential figure in American design history.