Biography

Carol Heifetz Neiman (1937-1990) was a surrealist artist and feminist activist. She was based in Los Angeles, CA and contemporaneous with Judy Chicago, Betty Ann Brown, Ruth Weisberg, Cheri Gaulke, Judy Baca, and many other talented artists.

She was notable for her emotionally intense subject matter, as well as being a pioneer in the use of “color xerox” as an art medium. She developed the technique of layering prismacolor pencil work with iterations of color photocopying. Additionally — and out of necessity — she became active in women artist advocacy, holding several positions, including President, in the Los Angeles chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art before being nominated for the National Presidency.

She died of cancer as President-Elect, before she could assume office, at age 53.

Education

  • M.S., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA – 1959

  • B.A., Northwestern University, Evanston, IL – 1958

  • Newcom College of Tulane University, New Orleans, LA – 1954-6

  • The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL – 1950-6

  • Studied with Francis de Erderly, George Cohen, Pat Trivigno, Ida Kohlmeyer, J. L. Steg

Organizations

  • National Women’s Caucus for Art (WCA), President – 1990

  • The Woman’s Building, Advisory Council – 1986

  • National Women’s Cause for Art (WCA), Advisory Council, Networking Committee – 1986

  • Southern California WCA, President – 1984-5

  • Southern California WCA, Executive Secretary, 1982-4

  • Southern California WCA, VP Communication – 1980-2

  • LA/American Institute of Architects, Professional Affiliate Member – 1984-5

  • International Society of Copier Artists, Member – 1984-6

Publications

  • Brown, Betty Ann and Raven, Arlene. Exposures: Women and Their Art, photos by Kenna Love, New Sage Press, ill. 1989

  • International Society of Copier Artists Quarterly: Volume 4, Number 2, Winter 1985

  • International Society of Copier Artists Quarterly: Volume 4, Number 1, Fall 1985

Selected Reviews

  • Dubin, Zan, “‘Unseen’ Artists To Create A Scene” LA Times, September 25, 1986

  • Pincus, Robert L., “The Galleries,“ LA Times, Part VI, April 22, 1983, p. 11

  • Brown, Betty Ann, “Homewrecked and Lost,” Artweek Vol. 13 No. 40, Nov 27, 1982, p. 5

  • Muchnic, Sizanne, “The Galleries,” LA Times, Part VI, March 21, 1981, p. 14

  • Howell, Betje, “Capturing Venice’s Ocean Front Walk,” LA Herald Examiner, Mar 2, 1975, p. 8

  • Moran, Tom, “Venice Artist Open Exhibit,” The Argonaut, February 27, 1975, p. 16

Awards

  • 9th Annual Vesta Award, The Woman’s Building, Los Angeles, CA – 1990

  • Honorable Mention, Drawing, 33rd Invitational, Cedar City, UT – 1973

  • 3rd Prize, Painting, Las Vegas Art League, Las Vegas, NV – 1971

  • Best of Show, Grumbacher Award, Mayor’s Choice, Painting, Downey Museum of Art, Downey, CA 1971