Helen Bigelow Merriman

Helen Bigelow Merriman (1844–1933) was an American artist and art patron associated with the American Impressionist movement. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was a prominent figure in the cultural life of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Merriman was instrumental in the establishment of the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts, where she served as a trustee and contributed significantly to its collection. Her own artistic work, though less widely known, was influenced by the Impressionist style, characterized by its emphasis on light and color. Beyond her contributions to art, Merriman was also an author, writing on both art and religious subjects. Her legacy is marked by her dual role as both a creator and a supporter of the arts, fostering the growth of cultural institutions in her community.