Edith Heckstal Smith Paintings

Edith Halpert, born Edith Gregorivna Fivoosiovitch on August 25, 1877, was a prominent American art dealer who played a significant role in promoting American modern and folk art. She was not an artist herself but was instrumental in shaping the American art market. Born in Odessa, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), she emigrated to the United States with her family in 1906.

Halpert opened the Downtown Gallery in New York City in 1926, which was the first commercial art space in Greenwich Village. The gallery became a hub for American modern art and showcased the works of now-famous artists such as Charles Sheeler, Stuart Davis, and Georgia O'Keeffe, among others. Halpert was also one of the first to actively promote the work of African American artists, including Jacob Lawrence.

In addition to her work with modern artists, Halpert developed an interest in American folk art, which was largely overlooked by collectors and institutions at the time. She amassed a significant collection of her own and was influential in elevating the status of folk art within the broader American cultural heritage. Her efforts contributed to the folk art revival of the mid-20th century.

Edith Halpert's career spanned the Great Depression and World War II, during which she navigated the challenges of the art market with resilience and innovative strategies, such as establishing a rental service and offering installment plans to make art more accessible. She remained active in the art world until her death on October 6, 1970.

While there is no artist by the name of Edith Heckstal Smith in recorded art history, it is possible that there might be a mix-up with the name. Edith Halpert is a well-documented figure whose influence on American art history is well recognized. If you are referring to a different artist, please provide additional details or verify the name so that accurate information can be provided.