The Life and Art of Margaret Bruton
Margaret Bruton was an American painter, muralist, and printmaker who left a significant mark on the Californian art scene. Born in Brooklyn, United States, she was the eldest of three sisters. Her artistic journey began with studies at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art under Frank Van Sloun, and she later moved to New York, where she studied under Robert Henri and Frank Vincent Dumond from 1914 to 1918. In 1913, she was awarded a scholarship in a competition organized by the Art Students League of New York.
Her career saw her move to Monterey, California, where she studied with Armin Hansen and became part of a local group of painters. During this period, she participated in various exhibitions, including a group exhibition at the Los Angeles Museum in 1923, where she won a prize, and received accolades at the Santa Cruz Art League in 1925.
Mosaic and Terrazzo Works
In the 1950s, Bruton’s artistic practice expanded into the realm of mosaic and terrazzo art. She spent three years working on approximately 22 mosaics and terrazzo maps for the memorial at the Manila American Cemetery. These maps, produced by the P. Grassi American Terrazzo Company, were crafted from tinted concrete with vibrant colored aggregates and incorporated military data through ceramic or mosaic details. The designs featured borders and compasses that referenced Pacific Islands' art styles. Additionally, she created terrazzo tables, including pieces for clients of Frances Elkins.
