Today, we celebrate the birthday of Evelyn Fortune Bartlett (September 30, 1887 – July 1, 1997), a visionary artist, philanthropist, and the heart behind Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
Born into a prominent Indianapolis family, Evelyn’s life was marked by resilience, creativity, and independence. After a high-profile divorce from Eli Lilly, she found love again with artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, who inspired her to begin painting. Her vibrant oil portraits and floral works were exhibited in major art institutions across the country during the 1930s.
Though she stopped painting in 1938, Evelyn’s passion for the arts never waned. In her later years, she championed cultural preservation, helping to list Bonnet House on the National Register of Historic Places and supporting galleries in Chicago and Massachusetts.
Evelyn lived to be 109, leaving behind a legacy of beauty, strength, and generosity. Her spirit continues to inspire all who visit Bonnet House.
Happy Birthday, Evelyn!
