Georgia O’Keeffe’s sister called NC home

Earlier this week, we ran across New York Times article about Ida O’Keeffe, the younger sister of artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Intrigued by the mention of some time spent teaching in North Carolina, we did some investigating of our own.  O’Keeffe taught art at Pembroke State College (now University of North Carolina at Pembroke) during the 1941-1942 school year.

Ida O'Keeffe photo

A course catalog suggests O’Keeffe taught not only drawing and painting but also weaving, basketry, and art appreciation. She’s featured in the 1942 yearbook Lumbee Tattler as the art professor and as advisor of the art club.  We don’t know exactly how long O’Keeffe was at Pembroke, but by 1945 a different art professor is listed.

Ida pembroke art club

3 thoughts on “Georgia O’Keeffe’s sister called NC home”

  1. What a contrast between O’Keeffe’s obscure station in Robeson County and the artistic beehive abuzz in Black Mountain at the same time….Wonder how aware of each other they would’ve been….

  2. According to my grandmother O’keffe used to come in and ask Home Economics to make picnic lunches for the Art club on outings. I’d love to see a photo of her if o e exists?

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