James Daugherty facts for kids
James Henry Daugherty (born June 1, 1889, in Asheville, North Carolina – died February 21, 1974, in Boston, Massachusetts) was a talented American artist. He was a painter, a muralist (someone who paints large pictures on walls), and a famous author and illustrator of children's books.
A Creative Life
James Daugherty moved around a lot when he was young. He lived in Indiana and Ohio. When he was nine, his family moved to Washington, D.C.. There, he started studying art at the Corcoran School of Art.
Later, he traveled to London to learn from another artist named Frank Brangwyn. During World War I, James Daugherty used his art skills to help his country. He was asked to create posters for the US Government. These posters were designed to encourage people and support the war effort. For example, he made posters for the United States Shipping Board.
Books and Awards
James Daugherty wrote and drew pictures for many children's books. His book about a famous American pioneer, Daniel Boone, won a very important award called the Newbery Medal. This award is given to the best children's book published that year.
Another one of his books, Gillespie and the Guards, which he made with Benjamin Elkin, received the Caldecott Honor in 1957. The Caldecott Honor is given to outstanding picture books for children. He also wrote and illustrated a book called Walt Whitman's America Selections and Drawings by James Daugherty.
Amazing Murals
James Daugherty also created huge paintings called murals. Four of his biggest murals are in the State Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. This theater is part of the beautiful Playhouse Square area.
These murals are called "The Spirit of Pageantry — Africa", "The Spirit of Drama — Europe", "The Spirit of Cinema — America", and "The Spirit of Fantasy — Asia". They show different themes and cultures from around the world.
