The Artworks of Kate Pettis Kerr

(To pause on a particular slide, mouse over the lower edge to make control arrows appear.)

From about 1888-1891, Kate Pettis Kerr lived in Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked as an artist. She was listed in the 1888 city directory as an airbrush artist, while later editions listed her simply as artist. Still single in 1888 and 1889, she was listed as Miss Kate E. Pettis. Her mother, who was living there with her in 1889, was listed as Mrs. Kate E. Pettis. They lived at 706 N. 16th.

Omaha, Nebraska City Directory - 1889
(click to enlarge)

In 1889, Kate was also listed under Art Schools, located at 520 Paxton Block with another artist, Miss Mellona Butterfield.

Listed again under the Artists heading in 1890, Miss Butterfield now had the designation "(china)" after her name, and she had moved to 421 Paxton Block. Kate's business remained at 520 Paxton Block but she had married and was now listed as Mrs. K.E. Kerr. She was boarding at the Esmond Hotel, where she was listed again in 1891.

Rosmer Pettis Kerr ca. 1895 (cabinet card)

I'm sure there must be other examples of Kate's art still in existence. They may or may not be signed. Possible signatures include K.E. Pettis and K.E. Kerr. I think much of her work was airbrushed, but she also worked in oils and may have done sketches as well. I know she sometimes worked from a photograph of her subject, as she did with the oil painting of her son shown above in the slideshow.

If you are able to share any information about her art, or photographs of her work, please use the Comments feature below to contact me. Please include your email address for a personal response. Any comment containing an email address or other personal contact information will not be published to the blog.