Solomon McCombs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Solomon McCombs
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Solomon McCombs, from a 1962 publication of the U.S. State Department
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| Born | May 17, 1913 Eufaula, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Died | November 18, 1980 (aged 67) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Nationality | Muscogee (Creek) Nation, American |
| Education | Bacone College |
| Known for | paintings, illustration, murals |
| Style | Bacone school |
| Spouse(s) | Margarita Sauer McCombs (1961–1980, until his death) |
Solomon McCombs (1913–1980) was a talented Native American artist. He was a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. McCombs was famous for his paintings, large wall murals, and illustrations.
He worked as a mural painter for the U.S. government in 1942. Later, from 1956 to 1973, he was an illustrator and designer for the United States Department of State. His art often used a style called "Flatstyle." This style features clear outlines and natural colors. His work often showed traditional Muscogee Creek stories and themes. He lived in both Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Arlington, Virginia.
Early Life and Learning
McCombs was born in 1913 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. His father was a Baptist minister. Solomon was part Muscogee Creek, Cherokee, and Irish. He was a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
He grew up on a ranch in eastern Oklahoma. He went to school in the Oak Grove community. As a child, Solomon was injured and had to stay in bed. This is when he first became interested in art. By 1934, he was already painting in a traditional style.
Solomon's great uncle, William McCombs, helped start Bacone College. His cousin, Acee Blue Eagle, was an early leader in the art department there. Solomon McCombs studied at Bacone College. He also attended Tulsa University's Downtown College. He learned about painting, Native American customs, and the history of the Muscogee Creek Nation. He was taught by Acee Blue Eagle and Mary Stone McLendon.
Art Career and Work
In 1941, McCombs' art was shown in an exhibition. This was at the famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. He also illustrated a book for writer Caroline Dormon in the 1940s.
The U.S. government asked McCombs to paint a mural. This mural was for the post office in Marietta, Oklahoma. It was called Chickasaw Family Making Pah Sho Fah (Pashofa) (1942). The mural shows four women and two men cooking pashofa. Pashofa is a very important dish for the Chickasaw people. This mural was one of the last ones the government asked for. It was fixed up twice, in 1960 and again in 2006.
Starting in 1956, Solomon McCombs worked for the United States Department of State. He was an illustrator in their audio-visual services division. This job allowed him to travel a lot. He visited places like the Middle East, Africa, and India. He gave talks about Native American art and his own work.
In 1961, he married Margarita Sauer McCombs (1925–1998), who was also an artist.
In 1963, McCombs helped start a group called the American Indian and Eskimo Cultural Foundation. He was also its first president.
In 1965, he won a special award. It was the Waite Phillips Trophy for Outstanding Contributions to American Indian Art. The Philbrook Museum of Art gave him this award.
He stopped working for the government in 1973. Before he retired, McCombs designed the first logo for the American Indian National Bank. This bank was started in Washington D.C. in 1973.
In 1978, the Creek Nation chose McCombs as their Second Chief. This was a very important leadership role.
Later Life and Legacy
Solomon McCombs passed away on November 18, 1980. He died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a surgery. He was buried in Tuskegee Cemetery in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
After he died, there was a special art show. It honored both Solomon McCombs and another artist named Fred Beaver. This show was held at the Gilcrease Museum from March 7 to April 19, 1981.
You can find his artwork in many public art museums. These include the Gilcrease Museum and the Southern Plains Indian Museum.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has a building named after him. It is called the Solomon McCombs Building.
