Helen Martanie Snowden

Helen Martanie Snowden (1860 -1925) was a professional artist working in Omaha, Nebraska, in the 1890s and early twentieth century, known for her still life painting, including trompe l'oeil trophy pictures.

Early life
Helen (also known as Janie, and Tanie) was the daughter of two of Omaha's founders. Her father, William Pleasant Snowden, was the first white male settler in Omaha, Nebraska. He brought his wife and three children with him and built a log house. After he had an accident to his hip, he lived with his daughter Helen.

Career
Helen studied art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to New York City. In Chicago she studied under Charles C. Curran, a figure painter, and flowers under Fred Finnette. She became a member of the Western Art Association in Omaha in 1891. In addition to still life, Helen painted portraits, landscapes, and worked in oil, watercolors, and China painting.

When Helen returned to Omaha, she set up a studio in Paxton Block, but later moved her studio into her home. She was an art instructor at Bellevue College, Nebraska, for eight years.

Works
Snowden had paintings in many local and other exhibitions.

The Museum of Nebraska Art has two of her paintings, Pansies and Grapes.

The Wyoming State Museum has held one of Snowden's artworks, ia painting of a bouquet, in their collection since 1968.