John Bennett named 2010 Texas State Artist, 3D
AUSTIN, Texas – May 26, 2009 – The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has announced its appointment of sculptor John Bennett of Fredericksburg, for Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist, 2010 . This position, as well as state poet laureate, state musician (Willie Nelson- 2009), and state two-dimensional artist, was created by SB 1043 of the 77th Legislature, and will be filled by one-year appointments. Bennett and the other appointees named for 2009 and 2010 were selected for the exceptional quality of their work and for their outstanding commitment to the arts in Texas.
“State artists demonstrate the essence of what art in Texas is all about,” Rep. Mark Homer, chair of the House of Representative's Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism said. “The work of these artists, and others like them, ensures that art and culture thrives in our great state, and we are pleased to honor these talented men and women with this recognition.”
Nominees must be native Texans or have resided in the state for at least five years. They must have attained the highest levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines and have received critical reviews in state, regional or national publications. Visual artist nominees must work in two- or three-dimensional art mediums, must have participated in at least one one-person show, and must have an extensive history of exhibiting in recognized museums and galleries.
TCA reviewed all nominations and developed a list of finalists for submission to the Texas Poet Laureate, State Musician and State Artist Committee. The committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, made the final selections.
“Texas is home to so many talented artists, and this diverse group exemplifies the best of the best,” said Texas Commission on the Arts Executive Director Dr. Gary Gibbs. “This honor rewards these talented Texans for their outstanding artistic achievements, and we are proud to have them represent the state.”
Bennett and the other State Artists went to the Capitol in Austin on May 28th to be presented to the Texas Legislature and hear the reading of the joint resolutions honoring them in the Chambers of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. They were then introduced and greeted by the legislators.
John Bennett, a fourth generation Texan, creates figures inspired by the men and women of the Golden West. Bronco busters, wild west show performers, and Hollywood heroes stir up vivid images for him to portray in bronze sculpture. Bennett’s exhibits include the Chisholm Trail Museum- Duncan, OK; Sculpture in the Park- Loveland, CO; Phippen Museum Western Art Show- Prescott, AZ, DeLand Museum of Fine Art- DeLand, FL- Bosque Conservatory in Clifton, Museum of Western Art in Kerrville; and the Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth.
In 1999 his sculpture was selected to represent the Women’s Museum in Dallas for display in the White House. In 2001 he won Best of Show for Professionals at the State Fair of Texas, and in 2006 was awarded the Key to the City in Leesburg, Florida for a lifesize bronze of Annie Oakley and her dog Dave.