1884 – 1960
Marguerite Marquart was director of art for the Newark Public Schools for 23 years, after Sarah Fawcett, and with the schools for 40. She said, “I’ve always worked hard doing what I could to help increase the interest and application in art”, saying “the aim of art in the schools is to make beautiful lives, not artists.”
Her obituary called her “a woman of unlimited energy” and said “it was her devotion to art and the artist that was the guiding force of her life.”
As director she expanded Fawcett School (later Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art) from night classes, to also include a day program, also serving as principal for several years. She created the Art Workshop in the former Lawrence Street School, which contained “a graphic course of study” and also offered art facilities and courses for teachers.
She joined the schools in 1906 and taught at Avon Ave, and Cleveland School before becoming Assistant Supervisor of Drawing in 1917, and then Supervisor in 1919. In 1923 she became Supervisor of Art and in 1925 Director of Art. Her obituary read, “the record of her clashes with some officials is a full one”.
Marguerite was also President of the Newark Art Club, where she organized annual art shows.
At the time of her retirement she lived at 42 Spruce St, and lived for some years with J Isabelle Sims.
Born to French parents in New York; her father was drafted into the Confederate Army in Louisiana before her birth. She died in Newburgh, NY in 1960.
Bibliography
“Their Place is In the Home? These Women Don’t Think So.” Newark Sunday Call, Mar 29, 1938
“Dinner Given Miss Marquart” Newark News Jun 25, 1948
“Art Director to Resign” Newark News Jun 20, 1948
“Wayward boys cured by art, says teacher” Star Ledger Jun 24, 1948
“Miss Marquart Ex Art Director of Schools”, Newark News, May 17, 1960