Percy Martin (artist) facts for kids

Percy Martin is an amazing American artist and a dedicated teacher. He has lived in Washington, D.C. since 1947. For many years, he taught art to students of all ages in the Washington area. He shared his passion for art at places like the University of Maryland and the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Later, he taught at the Sidwell Friends School from 1979 until he retired in 2009.

Becoming an Artist

Percy Martin loved art from a young age. He decided to study art seriously at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. This is where he learned many techniques and developed his unique artistic style. After a lot of hard work, he graduated and became a professional artist.

The World of Percy Martin's Art

Percy Martin is famous for his incredible imagination! For more than 30 years, he has been creating a special series of detailed prints. These prints tell stories about an imaginary world he calls the "Bushworld." This world is home to a made-up group of people, and Martin's art shows their lives, culture, and history.

What is a Print?

A print is a type of artwork made by transferring an image from one surface to another. Artists often carve designs into wood or metal, then apply ink and press it onto paper. Percy Martin's prints are very complex and show his great skill.

The Bushworld: A Journey of Imagination

Percy Martin's mind is like a movie theater where scenes from the Bushworld play out vividly. Even everyday objects can spark his imagination and send him on a creative adventure. For example, once when he was on vacation in Ukraine in 1995, he found a smooth, oval stone by a river. This simple stone made him imagine a dramatic scene! He pictured angry Bushwomen trying to crack a special stone egg with a crystal egg. This was part of a challenge to become a High Priestess in his imaginary world. Martin says these visions can be so real that he sometimes wishes he could just fly away in a helicopter!

Where You Can See His Art

Percy Martin's artwork is so important that it's displayed in many famous places. You can find his pieces in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. His art is also owned by The Washington Post, the City of Washington, D.C., and the University of Maryland. His prints have been shown in many art galleries, museums, and universities, including the Washington Project for the Arts.

Awards and Recognition

Percy Martin's talent has been recognized with several important awards.

• In 1966, he received a Ford Foundation Fellowship. This is a special award that helps artists and scholars continue their important work.
• Nine years later, in 1975, he was given a National Endowment for the Arts Artist-in-Residence award. This award allows artists to work in a specific place, like a school or museum, and share their skills with others.

These awards show how much Percy Martin's art and teaching have meant to the art world.