Lois Utz
Encyclopedia
Lois Utz (January 4, 1932–November 12, 1986; Paterson, New Jersey
) was an American children's book
author, illustrator, poet, and artist. For most of her life, Utz resided in Little Falls, New Jersey
. She received her Associate degree in Fine Arts from the Art Students League of New York
. Utz wrote a poetry column for the Paterson Morning Call and published in literary anthologies nationally. In 1962, she had a daughter, Heidi. While exhibiting her paintings and collage
s, she began creating children's books. For many years, she produced and sold collage works through her business, Lois Utz Originals. Utz also collaborated as a lyricist
with classical
composer Richard Lane
on a number of songs, including several for children. Throughout her life, she worked as a volunteer for the mentally ill and wrote several novels about her experiences. She later received a Bachelor of Arts
degree in psychology
and a Master of Arts
degree in counseling, and practiced as a therapist until her death in 1986.
Her children's books are known for their whimsical illustrations of animals and stories told in rhyme. Her illustrations often incorporate elements of collage.
Paterson, New Jersey
Paterson is a city serving as the county seat of Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 146,199, rendering it New Jersey's third largest city and one of the largest cities in the New York City Metropolitan Area, despite a decrease of 3,023...
) was an American children's book
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
author, illustrator, poet, and artist. For most of her life, Utz resided in Little Falls, New Jersey
Little Falls, New Jersey
Little Falls is a township in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2000 United States Census, the township population was 10,855. It is located about from New York City....
. She received her Associate degree in Fine Arts from the Art Students League of New York
Art Students League of New York
The Art Students League of New York is an art school located on West 57th Street in New York City. The League has historically been known for its broad appeal to both amateurs and professional artists, and has maintained for over 130 years a tradition of offering reasonably priced classes on a...
. Utz wrote a poetry column for the Paterson Morning Call and published in literary anthologies nationally. In 1962, she had a daughter, Heidi. While exhibiting her paintings and collage
Collage
A collage is a work of formal art, primarily in the visual arts, made from an assemblage of different forms, thus creating a new whole....
s, she began creating children's books. For many years, she produced and sold collage works through her business, Lois Utz Originals. Utz also collaborated as a lyricist
Lyricist
A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:...
with classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
composer Richard Lane
Richard Lane
Richard Lane is the name of:* Richard Lane ; 17th century barrister and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England* Richard Lane , 19th century English architect...
on a number of songs, including several for children. Throughout her life, she worked as a volunteer for the mentally ill and wrote several novels about her experiences. She later received a Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degree in psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
and a Master of Arts
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
degree in counseling, and practiced as a therapist until her death in 1986.
Her children's books are known for their whimsical illustrations of animals and stories told in rhyme. Her illustrations often incorporate elements of collage.
Sources
- Contemporary Authors, Detroit: Thomson Gale Pub., v. 25-28R, 735. ISBN 0-8103-0034-6
- Contemporary Authors, Detroit: Thomson Gale Pub., 1987, v.121, 421. ISBN 0-8103-1921-7
- Something About the Author, Detroit: Thomson Gale, 1975, v. 5.
- Something About the Author, Detroit: Thomson Gale, obituary, 1987, v. 50. ISBN 0-8103-2260-9
- Star Ledger, Newark, NJ, obituary (Nov. 16, 1986).
- Who's Who in America, 42nd ed., New Providence, NJ: Marquis Pub., 1982.