The Art of Anna Knapp Fitz

In 1921, eight-year-old Anna Knapp Fitz moved with her family to an eight-acre farm in Los Altos. As an adult, when asked what life was like in those early days, “Annie,” as she was known, picked up her paintbrush to tell the story. This self-taught artist donated 212 of her paintings to Los Altos History Museum, who will draw from the collection for an exhibition titled “Annie Knapp Fitz Paints: A Legacy in Art.”

Her varied works of art depict the changing landscape from agricultural to the birth of Silicon Valley and the events that were major turning points, such as the coming of the railroad, based on historic photographs. Many of her portraits and bust sculptures capture the likenesses of people who left their mark in this area.

[Image: 1995.013.106 Los Altos Train Station]