Charlotte’s Unfinished Book, now self-published by the Dempsey family
“I Wish I Could Live Here, Always”
Description: “I Wish I Could Live Here, Always” is the artistic creation of the late Charlotte A Dempsey. Charlotte was the director of The Children’s Art Centre in Boston’s South End between 1930 and 1971. Since her passing in 1979, her family discovered her unpublished book that illustrates her tenure of making art with children. It is an oversized art book, that is primarily pictorial, with short stories of her radically inclusive teaching. Written for adults, her stories come to life with corresponding artworks by her students. It holds over 80 original artworks created by children of the South End - including two by the great American painter, Allan Rohan Crite. Charlotte conveys her child-centered approach to teaching, long before we had notions of “Progressive” Education. Her enchanting tales of artmaking in the classroom teach parents, and caregivers about the impressionable nature of children that needs to be handled with great awe and responsibility. Her love for children and this beautiful program is shown in the title of her book: “I Wish I Could Live Here Always.”
The following artworks are photographs of original works that are featured in Charlotte’s book. These artworks were created by children from The Children’s Art Centre, presumably between 1930 - 1971, during Charlotte’s time as Director.
Do you recognize the artists on this list? Or are you an alum of the CAC? Reach out to us on the contact page.
Pen and Ink Artwork by Penny Shibley
Pen Drawing by O. Lopez
Tempera Painting by Gladys Bonara
Watercolor and Ink Artwork by P. Russo
Drawing by Irene Takeda
Watercolor by Barbara Maysles
Chalk Drawing by Iris Walker
