Virginia Woolley

Woolley grew up in Atlanta, GA. Having opted for an art career, she moved to Chicago in 1904 to study at the AIC under Freer and Vanderpoel, and from there continued her art studies for three years in Paris with Jacques Blanche, Lucien Simon, and Richard Miller.

While in Paris she sketched throughout the countryside and exhibited at the Paris Salon.

After returning to Atlanta, she taught art at Woodbury School. Having visited Laguna Beach years before by means of stage coach, she decided to make it her home in 1923. Woolley taught adult outdoor classes and gave free lessons to children at the Art Gallery where she was curator.

She was a founder of the Festival of Arts in 1932 and active in Laguna until her death on Feb. 15, 1971.

Artist info courtesy of http://www.californiaartauction.com/woolley-virginia-b