Joe Beeler, one of the founding members of the Cowboy Artist of
American, was present in Sedona, Arizona in 1965 when the CAA went
from an idea to a reality.
Raised in Oklahoma and Missouri, Beeler received a Bachelor of
Fine Arts degree from Kansas State Teachers College and continued
his studies at the Art Center School in Los Angeles.
Collectors quickly acquired his paintings and the success of a
one-man show at the Thomas Gilcrease Museum in 1960 established him
on a course that would lead to national acclaim.
Receiving numerous medals and awards was an honor for Joe; the
CAA presented him with gold and silver awards in sculpture, silver
in drawing and an Artists Choice Award. He was named Arizona
History Maker in 1994 by the Arizona Historic League. In 1998,
Canadas Cowboy Festival presented Joe with the Living Legends Award
in art.
Completing the Barry Goldwater Monument for Paradise Valley,
Arizona was a sculpture Beeler took particular pleasure in doing
since Goldwater was a supporter of the arts in Arizona and a
personal friend of Joes. His retrospective book details his career
in sculpture and painting.
Bronzesmith is saddened with the passing of our friend, Joe
Beeler on April 26, 2006. We will be honoring his memory by
continuing to show his work to the public.
