Beeler, Joe 1931-2006

Joe Beeler was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1931. Part Cherokee, Beeler's connection to the west began to be realized artistically at an early age. As a child, he drew often, and continued to develop artistically in college at Kansas State Teachers College before being accepted at and attending the Art Center School of Design in Los Angeles, CA. After finishing with his studies, Joe Beeler worked as an illustrator for the University of Oklahoma Press. Life as a full-time artist was difficult at first, but Beeler was recognized for his excellence during his life. A one-man show at the Gilcrease Museum in 1960 helped to launch his career and, in 1962, he and his family moved to Sedona, AZ, where they still live today.