Bob Ragland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Raglalnd
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| Born |
Robert L. Ragland
December 11, 1938 |
| Died | April 10, 2021 (aged 82) |
| Occupation | Artist, teacher, author, activist, television host |
| Known for | Namesake for Bob Ragland branch of the Denver Public Library |
Bob Ragland (born December 11, 1938 – died April 10, 2021) was a talented artist and teacher from Denver, Colorado. He was famous for his amazing oil paintings and sculptures made from everyday items. He also taught a special way of thinking called the "Non-Starving Artist" philosophy. A branch of the Denver Public Library is even named after him!
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Discovering Bob Ragland's Early Life
Robert L. "Bob" Ragland was born in 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents, Carey and Violet Ragland, came from Georgia and Alabama. They had moved north during a big historical event called the Great Migration.
When he was 18, Bob joined the U.S. Army. This brought him to Fort Carson in Colorado. Colorado then became his home for many years. After his army service ended in 1959, he moved to Denver. There, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He also created advertisements for a local business.
While living in Denver, Bob started studying art. He attended the Rocky Mountain School of Art. He also went to the Emily Griffith Opportunity School. There, he learned how to weld, which is a way to join metal pieces.
Bob Ragland's Artistic Journey
Bob Ragland was an artist who worked with many different materials. He created paintings, drawings, and sculptures. He also made cartoons and jewelry. He is especially known for his oil paintings on masonite panels. He also made sculptures using found objects. These are everyday items he found and turned into art.
Some of his artworks are displayed in museums. For example, "Flute Player With Corn Row Hair" (1990) is at Denver's Kirkland Museum. Even famous people bought his art. President Jimmy Carter and Colorado Lt. Gov. George L. Brown owned pieces by Bob.
Bob started showing his art widely in 1964. He was famous for holding art shows right on the porch of his home. His house was in Denver's Whittier neighborhood.
Teaching Art and Life Skills
Bob Ragland also loved teaching art. He taught at the Denver Public Schools Career Education Center. There, he created a program he called the "Non-Starving Artist Program." This program taught artists practical skills. It helped them make a living from their art. He taught them about marketing and networking.
Bob often said, "Bread and shelter has to be paid for, I’ve got to heat and eat." This showed his belief that artists need to be realistic. They must think about how to earn money. He also taught at the Emily Griffith Opportunity School. He taught at George Washington High School and Bradley Elementary too.
In the 1980s, Bob wrote two books about his ideas. These books were The Artist's Question and Answer Book and The Artist's Survival Handbook (or, What to Do Till You're Rich and Famous). In the 1970s, he even hosted a TV show. It was called "You're an Artist" on Rocky Mountain PBS.
Bob was also active in his Denver community. In the 1960s and 70s, he worked with the East Side Action Center. He helped make his neighborhood a better place.
Bob Ragland's Legacy
Bob Ragland and his wife, Diane Ragland, had three sons. They also had several grandchildren.
Bob passed away in April 2021 when he was 82 years old. He was a frequent visitor to the Denver Public Library. Because of his love for the library and his community work, a new library branch was named after him. It is called the Bob Ragland Branch Library. This library focuses on community arts.
A portrait of Bob Ragland was painted by his friend, artist Dean Mitchell. This portrait has been displayed at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. This shows how important Bob Ragland was as an artist and community leader.
