Ruth Manerva Bennett was born in Momence, IL on Feb. 11, 1899. She studied at the Art Students League in New York City under George Bridgman and John Fabian Carlson.

After settling in Los Angeles in the 1920s, she further studied at Chouinard and Otis Art Institutes and with Emily Mocine, Armin Hansen, Karoly Fulop, E. Vysekal, R. Schroeder, and M. Sheets.

While active in the local art scene, she taught wood carving at El Monte Union High School and in the Los Angeles public schools. Bennett died in Los Angeles on July 21, 1960.

Exhibitions:
California Art Club, 1925-33; Pomona Fair, 1926; Painters & Sculptors of LA, 1926-32; San Diego FA Gallery, 1927; LA Co. Fair, 1927-37; Nicholson Gallery (

Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"
American Art Annual 1929-33; Southern California Artists (Nancy Moure); Who's Who in American Art 1936-59; California Arts and Architecture list, 1932; Artists of the American West (Doris Dawdy).


Nearly 20,000 biographies can be found in Artists in California 1786-1940 by Edan Hughes and is available for sale ($150). For a full book description and order information please click here....