Mildred McMillen: Echoes of Place and Process Mildred McMillen (1884–1940) emerged from the vibrant artistic milieu of Chicago’s Progressive Era, a period marked by burgeoning industrialization and an increasing fascination with capturing the essence of American life. Her formative years instilled in her a deep appreciation for observation—a quality that would become central to her distinctive artistic vision. Following studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago from 1906 until 1913, alongside fellow artist Ada Gilmore, McMillen embarked on a transformative journey to France, imme…