September 22

Born in Basel in 1593, Merian apprenticed under prominent engravers before settling in Frankfurt am Main, where he established a successful publishing house. He is best known for his Topographia Germaniae, a multi-volume series illustrating towns, castles, and landscapes across the German-speaking world. Merian also contributed to the Icones plantarum selectarum, combining botanical art with scientific description. His meticulous engravings set new standards for accuracy and artistry in cartography. He died in 1650, leaving a legacy that influenced mapmaking and publishing for generations.

Elizabeth Simcoe (1762–1850) was an English-Canadian painter and author celebrated for her watercolor landscapes of Upper Canada. As the wife of John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, she traveled widely to document colonial life and Indigenous communities. Her journals and sketches provide valuable insights into the founding of Toronto and Kingston. Simcoe's artistic style combined topographical accuracy with artistic flourish, capturing the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness. She authored "Reminiscences of Upper Canada," which remains a key source for historians. Simcoe's contributions helped shape the cultural and historical record of early Canada.

Theodore Hook (1788–1841) was an English composer, writer, and practical joker of the Regency era. He composed popular ballads and comic songs that entertained London's social circles. In 1810, he orchestrated the Berners Street hoax, filling a single address with hundreds of tradespeople and bewildered visitors. Hook also published novels, theatrical works, and humorous essays, showcasing his versatile talent. As an educator, he taught music and drama, influencing a generation of performers. His lively personality and creative pranks made him a celebrated raconteur. Hook's blend of musical skill and comedic flair left a lasting mark on 19th-century English culture.

Born in 1870 in Taylor, Pennsylvania, Pryor joined the Sousa Band at age 18. He became famous for his virtuoso trombone solos, popularizing the instrument. In 1904, he formed his own Arthur Pryor Band, touring nationally and internationally. Pryor composed over 300 works, including marches, rags, and his famous "The Whistler and His Dog." He pioneered orchestration techniques for brass instruments. Pryor also led bands for early recordings and radio broadcasts. He died in 1942, leaving a legacy as one of America's greatest trombonists.

Born in 1875 near Varėna, Lithuania, Čiurlionis excelled in both music and visual arts. He studied composition in Warsaw and Leipzig, and painting in Warsaw. Čiurlionis created over 200 paintings characterized by mysticism and symbolism. His musical works include piano pieces and symphonic poems inspired by nature. He viewed art and music as interconnected expressions of the soul. Čiurlionis's visionary style influenced the Symbolist movement in Eastern Europe. He died in 1911, leaving a profound cultural legacy celebrated in Lithuania and beyond.

Gunnar Asplund was born in 1885 in Stockholm and became a central figure in early 20th-century architecture. He played a key role in the Nordic Classicism movement before transitioning to celebrated modernist designs. His masterpiece, the Stockholm Public Library completed in 1928, is renowned for its cylindrical rotunda and harmonious proportions. Asplund also co-designed Skogskyrkogården, a UNESCO World Heritage cemetery noted for its elegant landscape architecture. He served as a professor at the Royal Institute of Technology, influencing a generation of Scandinavian architects. Asplund's work blends classical inspiration with functionalism, leaving a lasting impact on architectural thought and practice until his death in 1940.

Alma Thomas was an influential abstract painter and educator born in Columbus, Georgia. After a 35-year teaching career in Washington, D.C., she retired to pursue painting full time. Thomas's work is celebrated for its bold color patterns and mosaic-like brushwork. In 1972, she became the first African-American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. She exhibited extensively across the United States and gained national recognition. Throughout her career she inspired generations of artists and contributed significantly to modern art. Her legacy endures through the continued study and exhibition of her vibrant paintings.

Elisabeth Rethberg was born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße and studied at the Stuttgart Conservatory before making her debut with the Berlin State Opera in 1922. She quickly became one of Germany's most admired sopranos, known for her warm tone and expressive phrasing. Rethberg joined the Metropolitan Opera in 1927, remaining a principal artist for over a decade and excelling in roles by Mozart, Wagner, and Strauss. She toured extensively, performing at La Scala, Covent Garden, and other major European houses. Critics praised her for combining technical precision with emotional depth. After retiring in the mid-1950s, she taught masterclasses and left behind a rich discography. Rethberg passed away in 1976, remembered as one of the 20th century’s great sopranos.

Frank O'Connor began his career in early Hollywood, appearing in numerous silent comedies with major studios and earning praise for his screen presence. After leaving acting, he purchased a cattle ranch in California, embracing a life close to nature. During his years as a rancher, O'Connor developed a passion for painting, creating landscapes and portraits inspired by the American West. His artwork was exhibited locally, showcasing his keen eye for color and composition. Colleagues and friends remembered him as a creative spirit who excelled both on screen and in art. He passed away in 1979, leaving behind a diverse legacy that bridged film and visual art.

Born in Potter Valley, California, Elsie Allen was one of the last master weavers of the Pomo tradition, learning complex patterns from her mother and grandmother. Concerned that her heritage might disappear, she began teaching basketry in the 1940s to ensure its survival. Allen authored the influential book Pomo Basketmaking: A Supreme Art for Her People, documenting techniques and cultural significance. Her finely crafted baskets won awards and were exhibited in museums, bringing wider recognition to Native American craft. As a cultural advocate, she spoke at public events to highlight indigenous artistry. Elsie Allen’s dedication ensured that Pomo basketry continued to thrive, inspiring new generations of weavers.

William Spratling was an American-born artist who relocated to Taxco, Mexico, in the 1920s and revolutionized its silver industry by blending local folk motifs with modern design. He founded a silver workshop and school, training artisans in high-quality techniques and promoting excellence. Spratling's innovative designs garnered international acclaim and attracted collectors, helping to transform Taxco into a major silver destination. Beyond his workshop, he championed Mexican arts through publications and exhibitions, fostering cultural exchange. His influence continues in contemporary jewelry design, with his pieces held in museum collections around the world. Spratling died in 1967, widely regarded as the father of the modern Mexican silver movement.

Born in 1908 in Russia, Slobodkina emigrated to the United States in 1923. She co-founded the American Abstract Artists group, promoting modern art in New York City. Her 1940 book Caps for Sale became a classic of children’s literature, beloved for its repetitive prose and whimsical illustrations. She illustrated numerous books for children and adults, showcasing a distinctive, playful style. Throughout her career, she exhibited paintings and sculptures in galleries across the U.S. She died in 2002, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire artists and readers.