William McVey (sculptor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William M. McVey
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| Born | July 12, 1905 |
| Died | May 30, 1995 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Cleveland School of Art; Rice University |
| Known for | Sculpture |
| Spouse(s) | Leza McVey |
William Mozart McVey (born July 12, 1905 – died May 30, 1995) was a talented American sculptor. He was known for creating amazing sculptures, especially of animals. He was also a teacher who helped many students learn about art.
Contents
Early Life and Art Training
William McVey was born in Boston, Massachusetts. When he was still in high school, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. After finishing school, he went to the Cleveland School of Art to study art.
From Football to Fine Art
McVey later attended Rice University. There, he played football for Coach John Heisman in 1924. Even while playing sports, he continued to study illustration. He eventually returned to art school in Cleveland.
Studying in Paris
In 1929, a kind supporter helped McVey travel to Paris, France. He studied with famous sculptors like Despiau and Gimond. To earn money, he worked as a guide at the famous Louvre Museum. He spent three years learning and creating art in Paris.
Working for the Community
After returning to Cleveland in 1932, McVey taught at the Cleveland Museum of Art. He also worked for the Works Progress Administration. This was a government program that helped artists create public artworks during tough economic times. He made several sculptures using a method called "direct carving."
Teaching and War Efforts
Around 1935, McVey moved to Texas to teach at the University of Texas.
Teaching During World War II
During World War II, William McVey joined the army. He was stationed at Fort Randolph Army Base. His job was to teach soldiers how to recognize enemy planes and ships by their shapes. He used art lessons to help his students learn these important skills.
When asked why he was teaching art, a test showed his students were better at recognizing targets. Because of his success, his unique teaching method was used in other classes too.
Teaching Sculpture at Cranbrook
After leaving the army, McVey and his wife, Leza McVey, moved to the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He taught sculpture there from 1947 to 1954.
Later Life and Legacy
William McVey passed away in Cleveland, Ohio on May 30, 1995. His important papers and works are kept at Rice University.
Awards and Recognition
McVey was a member of the National Sculpture Society. He showed his bronze sculpture of a Walrus at their exhibition in New York City in 1982. He also won the Cleveland Arts Prize in 1964 for his amazing work.
Famous Sculptures
William McVey created many well-known sculptures. Here are some of them:
- "Bruno the Bear" (around 1933): This sculpture is at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio. It was part of a New Deal art project.
- James Bowie statue (1936): Located in Texarkana, Texas.
- Davy Crockett statue (1936): This large granite sculpture is in Ozona, Texas. It features a quote from Davy Crockett: "Be sure you are right, then go ahead." Both the Bowie and Crockett statues were made for the Texas Centennial celebration.
- Rolling Bear Cubs (1937): This limestone sculpture is at the Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas.
- Stone frieze (around 1938): You can find this detailed carving at the base of the San Jacinto Monument near Houston.
- Statue of Winston Churchill (1966): This statue stands outside the British Embassy in Washington D.C..
- George Washington Monument (1972–73): Located in Washington Square, at the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Icarus (1990): A large granite monument in Denison, Texas. It honors the brave pioneer pilots of Texas, especially those who lost their lives in wars.
- McDog (1985): This fun sculpture is at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens in Cleveland, Ohio. It's a sculpture of McVey's own pet Airedale dog!
