The financial problems that plagued the North American Indian Project heightened about 1911. The economy took a drastic downturn. Soon after, preoccupation with World War I diminished the public's infatuation with the American West.

Curtis tried several means to keep the project afloat. He composed the "Curtis Traveling Indian Opera," a slide show accompanied by an orchestra playing compositions based on his field recordings. He also turned to the world of film.

While Curtis attempted to address his financial difficulties, Clara and their daughters continued to run the Seattle studio. In 1919, the marriage ended in a highly-publicized divorce.

In 1916, Clara Curtis filed for divorce, citing years of neglect by Edward. Busy working, Edward would not come to Seattle, leading the court to cite him for contempt. When the divorce finally went through in 1919, Clara was awarded everything, including the photography studio.

Clara Phillips Curtis, wife of Edward S. Curtis, detail from Curtis family photograph, probably by Edward S. Curtis, date unknown.

Clara made a living at the studio, even after Edward and their daughter Beth shattered his glass negatives to keep her from profiting from his work. (Later on, Beth helped her father establish another studio.)