Source: Scott Joplin 19072, Wikimedia
Texan artists have created works of art that represent the diverse heritage of America. In this section, you will read about various artists who have made history in Texas.
In the world of music, there are many Texas-born or Texas based musicians who have made their mark on the world. These Texans are singers, musicians, producers, or songwriters. They create music in a multitude of genres, past and present.
Source: Scott Joplin 19072, Wikimedia
Some Texan artists, such as Scott Joplin, helped develop specific types of genres. Joplin, a Linden, Texas native, learned to play a variety of musical instruments at an early age. He traveled around the country playing and singing with different groups. He began publishing music in the late 1890s; the Maple Leaf Rag, Joplin’s publication, was popular with other musicians.
Although Joplin died in 1949, his music lasts well past his death. In the 1970s, some of Joplin’s music was featured in the movie, The Sting. The film won several awards. Joplin was later awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contribution to American music.
Click on the image below to listen to a sample of Joplin’s music.
Click on the link below to access a list of Grammy-winning Texans.
There are many Texan artists who have created great works of art that have helped tell the history of Texas, the United States, and the world. One such artist is Elisabet Ney, a German immigrant, who was a famous sculptor and pioneer in the Texas arts community. Learning stonecutting from her father, Ney was an accomplished sculptor in Germany. Ney was commissioned to do sculptures of many European dignitaries.
After immigrating to Texas, she built a studio in Austin and began creating new sculptures. Ney was commissioned to create the sculptures of Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, and Albert Sidney Johnston. She was also commissioned to do other various work across the United States. Her work can be seen in the Texas State Capitol, the Texas State Cemetery, and the U.S. Capitol.
 Source: Elisabeth New by Friederich Kaulbach, Mutter Erde, Wikipedia |
 Source: Sam Houston by Elizabeth Ney, Mutter Erde, Wikimedia |
Source: Amando Pena Artist in Residence, Austin Community College
Texas artists are very diverse. Amado Pena is recognized as an Artisan of Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. He was born in Laredo, Texas, and later studied art at Texas A&M in Kingsville. He became an art teacher in Laredo, as well as at the University of Texas at Austin.
Pena’s work is inspired by the landscape of the Southwest United States.
Source: Yaqui dandy-self Portrait, Amado Pena, Pena Gallery
Watch the video below to see Pena as he teaches college students at Austin Community College.
Source: Amado Pena: Artist in Residence, Austin Community College, ACC Riverbats, YouTube
While Pena’s artwork reflects his American-Indian and Mexican heritage, John Biggers’ artwork reflected the struggle of African Americans in Houston and the United States.
Source: biggers-biopic, Ro Gallery
John Biggers, a longtime Houston resident, was known for his murals that depicted how he saw African Americans struggle. Many of his murals can be seen in Houston, today. Aside from his paintings, Biggers was also a sculptor. In 1949, Biggers became the chairman for the art department of what is now Texas Southern University.
Source: 1987.561.11b, American Art, Smithsonian Institute
Writers are the artists who record the history of Texas and write about the Texan way of life. There are writers from various genres that have entertained and informed Texans for generations.
 Source: Diane Gonzales Bertrand, St. Mary's University |
 Source: Diane Gonzales Bertrand, Latin Baby Book Club |
Diane Gonzales Bertrand is a native of San Antonio. She writes children’s books and stories for young adults. Bertrand’s books feature stories about Mexican-American characters. Bertrand also teaches writing at St. Mary’s University.
 Source: Were greeted with Bedichek bobcat, Power of Austin ISD |
 Source: 0292703112, University of Texas |
Born in Waco, Texas, Roy Bedichek was a writer and a naturalist. Bedichek wrote the book, Adventures with a Texas Naturalist, which was based on the year he spent alone at Friday Mountain Ranch. Bedichek’s writing helped people realize the beauty in the nature of Texas.
Answer the following questions in your notes.
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John Biggers’ artwork reflects his neighborhood in Houston. He also paints about the struggle of African Americans. Diane Gonzales Bertrand writes books that feature Mexican-American characters.
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Bedichek wrote about the nature of Texas.