Elaine Manning Crook was born
on February 25, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. She attended the Art
Institute of Chicago Saturday classes from seventh grade through
high school. Upon graduation she attended the AIC on a one-year
scholarship. She also took classes at the University of Chicago
during this time.
In 1962 she married William F.
Crook and moved to Arizona. She first free-lanced as a fashion
illustrator from 1962-1965. Later she enrolled at Arizona State
University until becoming the art director for KAET, the schools
educational television station, in 1966. While at the station
she began drawing Native American symbols. Her interest in Native
American cultures grew and she began to paint. Unable to find
enough time to pursue her interest while working at KAET, she
resigned in 1972. E. Manning Crook has traveled widely to reservations
and pueblos throughout the southwest. She uses a variety of media
for her art and her subjects include Native American women and
girls, men and views of villages.
Crooks work also includes sketches
of the Oregon coast. Crook has exhibited in Arizona for over
twenty years.
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