Page 85 - Laguna Blanca Magazine Summer 2018

NATALIE BROWNING (HANSEN) HARPHAM

After 91 years of embracing life and uplifting others, Natalie gallery exhibitions—including the work of Grandma Moses—
Browning Harpham passed away on January 6, 2018 at her and for several years showed her art at the Gallery DeSilva in
home in Montecito. In all the roles she played during her life— Montecito along with other local prominent artists. Her love
loving mother, doting grandmother, playful great grandmother, for art did not stop there as her teaching continued for many
caring aunt, trusted friend and dedicated teacher—Natalie years with the children’s program through The Santa Barbara
never stopped caring for others and finding beauty in the world Museum of Art at the McCormick House. Over the years, a
around her. number of her former students have gathered with Natalie for
The daughter of Geraldine Massey and Lloyd Neff Brow- tea and robust conversations. She was a member of the Santa
ning, Natalie began her life in Iola, Kansas on May 22, 1926. Barbara Museum of Art, The Junior League, The Little Town
The family moved to Montecito in the 1930s and at an early age Club, Birnam Wood Golf Club, and The Yacht Club.
Natalie showed interest in art as a student of Rico LeBrum and Natalie is survived by her husband, Richard, and her sister,
Clarence Hinkle. She attended the Howard School for Girls Nanci Robertson, her two sons, Timothy M. McMahon and
and Marymount. While a student at Scripps College, she came Thor K. Hansen, her grandchildren, Kimberly McMahon
under the tutelage of Millard Sheets and Henry Lee McFee, Payne, Natalie McMahon, Ryan McMahon, Tyra Hansen,
both prominent California artists. She was an accomplished Alexandra Hansen, and Kendyl Hansen, and her great
landscape painter and photographer and enjoyed sharing her grandchildren, Jameson Payne, Harley Payne, Charlotte
artistic passion with others. Her passion for art ran so deep McMahon, and Matteo Hugueny-Clark. It would be remiss to
that Natalie traversed the globe, visiting scores of countries and not mention Natalie’s lifelong love of animals and her beloved
cultures to capture her memories on canvas and film. pup Sasha who brought her so much joy and happiness during her
As Director of the Art Department at Laguna Blanca last years.
School in the sixties and early seventies, Natalie arranged for
student trips to Los Angeles museums and founded a series of

Natalie traversed the globe, visiting scores of countries
and cultures, to capture her memories on canvas and film.

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