Alice Ellen Klauber

Alice Ellen Klauber (May 19, 1871, San Diego - July 5, 1951, Lemon Grove) was an American painter, curator, and interior designer. Her style took inspiration from her contemporary impressionist and modern artists, or fifth child of Abraham Klauber (1831–1911) an immigrant to the United States and prominent San Diego merchant, and Theresa Klauber (née Epstein; 1841–1921). In 1885, when Alice was 14 years old, the Klauber family moved to San Francisco, where her grandparents lived, hoping to find better educational opportunities. The family moved back to San Diego in 1892, where they would remain.

Art Education and International Travel While in San Francisco, Alice Klauber began her artistic training at the Art Students’ League. Klauber's style shifted over the years, reflecting her training, but she remained enthusiastic about modern art.

Klauber traveled around the world developing her style, and curating unique pieces. In 1907 she traveled to Italy with Chase, then returned to Europe in 1912 where she studied in Spain with Robert Henri. during one of his brief visits to the US. She would later study with Martinez while he was in Southern California in the 1940s. In June of 1914, the Board of Supervisors provided Klauber and the association with $5,000 and space in the second story of the California Building, a far cry from the $75,000 budget they had originally sought.

As a member of the Woman's Board for the Exposition, Klauber was deeply involved in its success. She was made chair of the Fine Arts Committee, and also headed the furnishings committee, making her responsible for the interior design of the Headquarters for Women and Hostess Gallery. As chair of the Fine Arts Committee, Klauber worked with her friend Robert Henri (who she had invited to San Diego in 1914), and Edgar Hewett (the Exposition's Director of Exhibits) to a create modern art exhibit in the Fine Arts Building that displayed paintings by some of America's most notable contemporary artists.

Klauber's own work would also be displayed at the Exposition in November of 1915 through the end of the Exposition in 1916. Later, her work would be displayed again at the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, also in Balboa Park. Her proposal was likely triggered by the February 5, 1909 art heist, where paintings on display the San Diego library were stolen out of their frames. Klauber believed it was important to have a safe, secure space for artists to continue displaying art in San Diego without the fear of it being stolen. The club made Klauber chairman of the Art Building Committee, and she swiftly began fundraising efforts.

Affiliated Organizations Alice Klauber was a member of several organizations, including the San Diego Art Association and the San Diego Art Guild. In 1926, she and her brother-in-law, banker Julius Wangenheim (1866–1942), participated in the creation of the Fine Arts Society of San Diego. She also provided financial support to the Fine Arts Society by donating artworks from such famous painters as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. San Diego Art Association San Diego Artists Guild Fine Arts Society of San Diego La Jolla Art Association Los Angeles Watercolor Club San Diego Woman's Association Panama-California Exposition Woman's Board Chair of the Art Committee Head of the Furnishing Committee The Wednesday Club Chairman of the Art Building Committee

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