Willard Watson facts for kids

Willard Watson (1921–1995) was a talented African-American folk artist. People also knew him as “The Texas Kid.” He was born in Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

Willard Watson's Early Life

Willard Watson was born on June 17, 1921. His family lived in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. His parents, L. T. and Mary Liza Watson, were sharecroppers. This meant they farmed land owned by someone else. His grandparents had been slaves. In 1928, when Willard was seven, his family moved to Dallas, Texas.

Growing Up in Dallas

Willard went to the B. F. Darrell School until he was 14. As he got older, he spent time in a part of Dallas called Deep Ellum. This area was a busy place for African Americans.

Serving in the Army

In 1942, Willard joined the United States Army. This was during World War II. He served in the southwestern Pacific area. He left the army in 1944 because of an injury.

Family Life and Nickname

Willard Watson was married seven times during his life. His last wife was Elnora. They got married on April 1, 1967. They were together for about 28 years.

In 1968, Willard started using his nickname, “The Texas Kid.” He got this name when he visited relatives in Louisiana and Oklahoma. They would go to an event called Frontier Days. Everyone wore traditional Western clothes. Willard would sew new, eye-catching outfits for himself and Elnora each year. When they arrived, Elnora’s family would shout, “Here comes the Kid from Texas!”

Willard Watson's Art Career

Willard Watson's art came from his memories, dreams, and life experiences. He was a self-taught artist. He used everyday objects and materials he found around him. As a child, he carved figures from wood. He started making folk art when he was a teenager. His mother taught him how to sew. He used this skill to make unique clothes and textiles. He also created drawings and paintings. He told stories through his art, often adding text to his pieces. He also shaped natural things like wood and rocks into sculptures.

Displaying His Art

By 1975, Willard began to show his art on his front lawn. He displayed sculptures, including animals. His 1968 Ford truck was also a work of art. It had horns and photographs stuck to its sides. This unique truck caught the eye of a local art dealer. This helped Willard's art become more widely known. Willard first made art just to express himself. People in his neighborhood knew about his yard art and would stop by to see it.

In 1976, Willard Watson worked with artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade. They built a huge, three-dimensional map of the United States. It was as big as a football field. They placed it near the LBJ freeway in Dallas.

Art in Popular Culture

In 1985, Willard Watson’s house was used as a filming location. It appeared in the movie True Stories by David Byrne. Willard himself was not in the movie. However, his wife, Elnora, and one of their grandsons had roles.

Willard Watson's Passing

Willard Watson passed away on June 12, 1995, in Dallas. His funeral was held at Missionary Park Baptist Church. He was buried in Lincoln Memorial Park in Dallas. He was survived by a daughter.

Willard Watson's Awards and Recognition

Willard Watson received several honors for his unique art:

• He was featured in magazines like Time, Texas Monthly, and D. He also appeared on the PM Magazine television show.
• A special fund for children was created in his honor.
• The Dallas Museum of Art held an exhibit called “Willard Watson: In Memorium, 1921–1995.” This was a tribute to his life and art.
• His work was shown in the exhibit Texas Native Artists at the Witte Museum in San Antonio in 1978.
• He was part of The Eyes of Texas: An Exhibition of Living Texas Folk Artists at the University of Houston in 1980.
• His art was also featured in Rambling on My Mind: Black Folk Art of the Southwest. This exhibit was at the Museum of African-American Life and Culture in Dallas in 1987.