Robert McMurtry (artist) facts for kids

Robert McMurtry (1950–2012) was an American painter and writer. He was from Oklahoma and created many books for young people. His books often taught about Native Americans in the United States and the history of Oklahoma.

Early Life and Learning

Robert Wayne McMurtry was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1950. People often called him Robby or Robbie. He grew up in a family where his parent was in the military. This meant his family moved around a lot. When they were not living in other countries, they lived in a place called Loco.

Loco did not have many fun things to do or many friends nearby. So, Robert found joy in reading comic books and drawing pictures. He started college in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He wanted to study art, but he did not do well because the college mostly focused on a type of art called abstract art.

While in college, McMurtry met many people from Native American communities. Later in life, he worked with some of these artists. He had many different jobs to earn a living. He made his own art, taught students, and did other odd jobs.

Robert McMurtry's Artwork

McMurtry's art mainly showed stories and scenes about Native American life. He used different materials for his art, like pencil, acrylic paint, and mixed media. He also drew in a comic book style.

Robert McMurtry loved to combine Native American stories with his art. He was inspired by his childhood love for comic books. He created several books with Native characters. Some of his books include The Road to Medicine Lodge: Jesse Chisholm in the Indian Nations and Native Heart: The Life and Times of Ned Christie, Cherokee Patriot and Renegade.

McMurtry often taught art to children. He taught at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. He also taught for three years at a summer program called Art Explosion. This program was supported by the Chisholm Trail Arts Council. Many people loved him as a teacher.

He was very involved in his community. He worked as the Cultural Coordinator for the Creek Nation. He also helped plan the yearly Western Spirit Celebration.

Awards and Special Projects

Robert McMurtry won several awards for his work. In 2011, he received the Redbud award from the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. This was for an art show he had at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. In 1978, he was chosen as the artist in residence for the Cherokee Nation.

One of his artworks, called "Unarmed," is now part of the permanent collection at the Gilcrease Museum. It was given to the museum in 2004. McMurtry also helped create a big art project called "The Passage." This project is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the Tennessee River Landing. This spot was a main starting point for the Trail of Tears. McMurtry designed seven sculptures of stickball players for this project.

Later Years

Robert McMurtry passed away in 2012. Two years after he passed, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum held a special show of his artworks.