Joe Beeler

"Thanks for the rain" by Joe Beeler.

Night Song by Joe Beeler, at Woolaroc Museum

Joe Neil Beeler (1931-2006) was an American illustrator, artist and sculptor specializing in the field of Western art. In 1965, he cofounded the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) with Charlie Dye, John Hampton and George Phippen.

Personal information

Beeler was born part Cherokee in 1931 in Joplin, Missouri, which has not been proven. A search of the Dawes Roll (http://www.okhistory.org/research/dawesresults.php?fname=&lname=Beeler&tribe=&rollnum=&cardnum=&action=Search) shows the only surname Beeler as being Chickasaw, so without an accurate genealogy, this is an unproven claim. At an early age, Beeler started drawing and becoming very artistic. He continued his skills throughout college at Kansas State Teachers College and later attended the Art Center of Design in Los Angeles, California. After his time in school, Beeler worked as an illustrator for the University of Oklahoma Press. Beeler's life as an artist was difficult for him but he eventually become recognized for all of his hard work. Beeler's career really took off after his one-man performance at the Gilcrease Museum. In 1962, he and his family moved to Sedona, Arizona, where he died. In 1965, Beeler along with many other cowboy artists started the Cowboy Artists of America.^[1]

Appearances

His works have been displayed in a number of museums including:

• Woolaroc Museum
• National Cowboy Hall of Fame
• Montana Historical Society
• Charles M. Russell Museum
• Heard Museum
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• Institute of Texas Cultures^[1]

Death

Joe Beeler died Wednesday April 26, 2006. He was helping neighbors and friends rope and brand calves when he succumbed to a heart attack. Joe was 74 years old. He was born on Christmas Day in 1931.

Sources and external links

• Joe Beeler on AskART
• CAA Museum - biography
• Joe Beeler obituary
• Joe Beeler's art
• The Joe Beeler Collection at Pittsburg State University

References