Harriet Krawiec was born in Chicago to Joseph and Anna Korzienewski on October 14, 1894. Her father was a successful baking flour merchant, and her mother was active in many social and charitable organizations. Harriet attended the Academy of Our Lady High School (known as Longwood) on Chicago's far south side, where recognition of her artistic talent warranted her retention, after graduation, as an art instructor assisting her mentor Sr. Mary Stanisia.

In turn, Harriet and the nun continued their artistic careers at the Art Institute of Chicago*. There, Harriet studied under painters Karl Buehr and Charles Hawthorne. Ultimately, she was introduced by Sr. Stanisia to fellow student in the neighboring cl...