Zora Steenson was born in South Dakota in 1904. From
her 17th year, Zora made her living for herself and her family as an
artist. She worked for Midwestern Greeting Card companies. The Buzza Company in
Minneapolis was her employer for many years.
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In
the early 1940's, World War II required the skills of every able-bodied
person in the United States. Zora joined the ranks of the Rosie The Riveters assembling armored tanks.
Hughberta joined the Marine Corps. 
Stationed at El Toro
Marine Base in Southern California, Hughberta immediately appreciated the
warmth, the color, the freedom of life in California. When she
went home to Minnesota after the War, she urged her sister to move with
her to Los Angeles.
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Southern California was a magnet during the late 1940's and the
1950's, drawing brilliant, resourceful young people who had made it through the
Depression and the War. The movie industry was a dynamic source of energy, glamour and
optimism. The Disney Studios, The Warner Studios, MGM and Paramount attracted
artists and artisans who were innovative and exciting. It was
a wonderful place for artists, and Zora and Hughberta became productive
contributors to the
art community. Although never compromising artistic
integrity for financial success, they both made a living as artists in
L.A.
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Years passed by and
friends and family members who had once been part of the community, part
of the celebration, moved away and passed away. The sisters
were now in their mid-70's
and no longer able to be competitive with the
changing fads and fashions of a very different Los Angeles.
They moved to the Puget Sound area, near family members,
still producing beautiful art: still retaining their unique, irrepressible
artists' style.
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