William Walker (muralist) facts for kids

William Walker (May 9, 1927 – September 12, 2011) was a famous mural artist from Chicago. He helped start the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC). He also led the important project called the Wall of Respect. William Walker was a key person in starting the mural art movement in Chicago in the 1960s. He was inspired by other great artists, including Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera.

Early Life and Education

William Walker was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1927. When he was two years old, his mother moved to Chicago to find work. William was mostly raised by his grandmother. In 1938, he moved to Chicago to live with his mother.

Serving His Country

William Walker joined the military during World War II. He later joined again to get money for college through the GI Bill. He worked as a mail clerk and then as a military police officer. After serving in both World War II and the Korean War, he went to college.

Art School and Awards

In 1949, Walker started taking art classes at the Columbus Gallery of Art in Ohio. This school is now called the Columbus College of Art and Design. He first studied commercial art, which is art used for advertising. Later, he changed his focus to fine art, which is art made for beauty or expression. In 1952, he became the first African-American man to win an award at the school's annual art show.

William Walker's Art Career

After finishing college, William Walker moved to Memphis. There, he painted his first large wall paintings, known as murals. In 1955, he returned to Chicago. He worked as a decorative painter and also for the postal service.

The Wall of Respect

In 1967, Walker joined a special project with the Organization for Black American Culture. This project was a huge community mural called "The Wall of Respect." It was created to honor important African American heroes. This mural became very famous and started a new art movement across the United States. People began creating "people's art" murals in their own communities.

Chicago Mural Group

After the success of the Wall of Respect, Walker helped start the Chicago Mural Group. This group is now known as the Chicago Public Art Group. He worked with other artists like John Pitman Weber to create more murals in Chicago. Walker used his murals to make people think about racial problems in America. He wanted his art to encourage people to work together to solve these issues. Artist Murry DePillars once said that Bill Walker truly painted for the community, not for fame.

William Walker passed away in his Chicago apartment on September 12, 2011.

Selected Artworks

Exhibitions and Awards

William Walker's art has been shown in special exhibitions. These shows helped more people see and appreciate his important work.

Art Exhibitions

• "Images of Conscience: The Art of Bill Walker", Chicago State University, 1984
• "Bill Walker: Urban Griot", Hyde Park Art Center, 2017–18

Awards and Honors

• 1986: City Brightener Award, Bright New City
• 1998: Hall of Honor, Illinois Labor History Society