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79R17539 MW-D
By: Davis of Dallas H.R. No. 1760
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of acclaimed Dallas artist Arthello
Beck, Jr., on November 5, 2004, at the age of 63, has brought a
profound loss to the family, friends, and many admirers of this
esteemed Texan; and
WHEREAS, Born in Dallas on July 17, 1941, Mr. Beck devoted his
life to honoring his cultural heritage by capturing on canvas the
essence of African American life in the Southwest; his impressive
body of work also includes landscapes, portraits, and other images
inspired by his travels in Jamaica, England, West Africa, Egypt,
Brazil, and Central America; working in oil, watercolor, pencil,
and charcoal, he depicted his own personal evolution as well as the
historical and religious experiences of the African American
community; and
WHEREAS, This largely self-taught painter received his only
formal art training at Lincoln High School; he continued his art
education by searching the library for art books during his breaks
at various clerical and janitorial jobs at department stores and
the post office; and
WHEREAS, His paintings and drawings have hung in museums,
galleries, and universities in the United States and abroad, and he
received an array of prestigious awards and honors throughout his
career, including his appointment as an ambassador of goodwill by
Governor Mark White in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Beck gave of himself not only through his
artwork but also through his service; the former
artist-in-residence at both the Interdenominational Theological
Center in Atlanta and Paul Quinn College, he worked with patients at
the Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center and
shared his passion for art as a teacher at a number of schools,
including Mountain View College; moreover, he provided a
much-needed venue where area African American artists could exhibit
their work by founding the Arthello Beck Gallery in Oak Cliff; a
member of the National Conference of Artists and the Southwest
Alliance of African American Artists, he was also one of the
original founders of the Southwest Black Artists Guild; and
WHEREAS, Arthello Beck was a man of tremendous talent, and
although his presence will indeed be greatly missed, his spirit
will live on in the memories of the many people fortunate enough to
have known him and in the inspiring works that he leaves behind;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Arthello
Beck, Jr., and extend deepest sympathy to his family: to his wife,
Mae Beck; to his daughter, Mashariki Beck Okpiabhele; to his three
grandchildren; and to all who mourn the passing of this gifted man;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Arthello
Beck, Jr.