Sears Gallagher
American (1869-1955)
Painter and etcher Sears Gallagher was born in Boston in 1869. Gallagher studied in Boston with SPR Triscott in the 1880s as well as at the Parisian Academie Julien in 1895. Gallagher was a member of the Guild of Boston Artists, the Chicago Society of Etchers, the Society of Graphic Artists in New York City and the American Federation of Artists. A prolific artist, Gallagher exhibited his works at the Boston Art Club from 1887 until 1909, the Paris Salon in 1896, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, 1900-1903, 1912 and 1916 and at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922.
His works won various awards and were also exhibited at several well-known galleries throughout New England. Gallagher’s works can be found in the collections of the Boston Museum of Fine Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library and the Biblioteque Nationale in Paris. As well as a being successful painter and etcher, Gallagher was a watercolor instructor at Boston University, Massachusetts.
Gallagher was a member of the early group of artists who rediscovered and began painting on Monhegan Island, off the coast of Maine. He was introduced to the island by SPR Triscott, and beginning in 1898 he summered on the island every year for over 50 years, capturing the island’s beautiful and dramatic scenery.