Pioneering Women of Abstract Expressionism (Best of OLLI)
In this course, you'll learn about the unique contributions of six powerhouse women artists and explore the challenges they faced as women in a male-dominated art world. Jay DeFeo, Helen Frankenthaler, Grace Hartigan, Elaine de Kooning, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell played major roles in the development of Abstract Expressionism, which flourished in New York and San Francisco in the 1940s and 1950s and has been recognized as the first American modern art movement. You'll also explore the broader context of Abstract Expressionism and its impact on American Art.
No prior knowledge of art or art history is required.
Faculty Bio
Drucie Saal Belman has worked at Pace Gallery in both New York and Palo Alto, Catharine Clark Gallery in San Francisco and at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art where she led numerous tours at SFMOMA. A former art consultant with the Loft Gallery in Paris and Hong Kong, she has lectured on various topics in art from the Bay Area Figurative Movement and Abstract Expressionism to contemporary artists Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell and Team Lab. Drucie graduated Wellesley College with a major in Art History, going on to study at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
This is a Best of OLLI Course
- Best of OLLI courses are popular courses recorded a previous term
- All class videos will be available to enjoy immediately upon registering through Mar. 30 in Member Dashboards. Learn more.
- Course is available to Annual Plus, Premium Plus, Best of OLLI and Fee Assistance members. Learn about membership.
- Current Annual and Premium members can upgrade to Annual Plus or Premium Plus for an additional $10
Member Praise for Drucie Belman
Drucie obviously loves her subject and her enthusiasm made the course extremely enjoyable.
She was fantastic! Such a delightful presence in the classroom and clearly in love with art.
Faculty Q&A
- Read an interview with Drucie Belman from our archive.