March is Women’s History Month and in recognition of Women’s History Month, the Cahuilla Chapter was proud to present the chapter’s first Women in American History Award at its March 2019 meeting. The Women in American History Award is bestowed upon women of the community, living or deceased, who have made outstanding contributions to the community and/or their fields of endeavor.

The Cahuilla Chapter is proud to honor founding member, Agnes Pelton, with the 2019 Women in American History Award.

A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Agnes Pelton was one of a group of 26 women who founded the Palm Springs Cahuilla Chapter. The Cahuilla Chapter’s Charter was granted March 24, 1949 – almost exactly 70 years ago.

Agnes Pelton was an American modernist painter who made her home in Cathedral City for over 30 years. Ms. Pelton made portraits of American Southwest people and landscapes. But she is most recognized for abstract art that reflected her spiritual beliefs. Two of Agnes Pelton’s paintings were exhibited at the Amory Show in 1913. The Amory Show was the first large exhibition of modern art in America. Agnes died March 13, 1961, in Cathedral City. Her art is currently on display at the Phoenix Art Museum exhibit, Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist.

Accepting the Women in American History Award on behalf of Agnes Pelton’s family was Charles McClendon, City Manager of Cathedral City, CA.

Photo L to R: Noma Bruton, Regent, Charles McClendon, City Manager of Cathedral City, CA