July 13

Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) was a Czech-English artist whose prolific etchings captured landscapes, city views, and antiquities across Europe. Born in Prague, he trained under Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens before moving to England in 1637. Hollar became the official engraver to Queen Henrietta Maria and produced prints documenting the court, military uniforms, and everyday life. His illustrated collections, such as the Large and Little Views of London, provide invaluable insights into the city before the Great Fire of 1666. Beyond urban scenes, he produced botanical studies and heraldic engravings, showcasing his versatility. Having survived the English Civil War and exile in Antwerp, his later years saw continued work for collectors. Hollar's precise style and vast output make him a key figure in early modern printmaking.

Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827) was a prominent English painter and caricaturist celebrated for his humorous and often biting satirical works. Educated at the Royal Academy, he initially produced watercolors of rural life before turning to caricature and illustration. Rowlandson's prints, many in collaboration with writer William Combe, lampooned political figures, social elites, and everyday customs of Georgian England. His fluid draughtsmanship and keen eye for human folly made works like the series The Tour of Dr Syntax immensely popular. Beyond satire, he created evocative landscape and genre scenes reflecting contemporary fashions and pastimes. His extensive output influenced future generations of cartoonists and political artists. Rowlandson's legacy endures in the rich visual record he left of late 18th and early 19th century British society.

Otto Wagner, born in 1841, emerged as one of Austria's leading architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a central figure in the Vienna Secession, advocating for modern design principles and functionality. Wagner's landmark works include the Austrian Postal Savings Bank and the Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station. His innovative use of materials and emphasis on urban planning influenced generations of architects. Wagner died in 1918, and his visionary approach remains celebrated in the history of modern architecture.

Léo-Pol Morin was a multifaceted Canadian musician who gained acclaim as a concert pianist and composer. He studied in Europe before returning to Quebec, where he introduced audiences to contemporary works by composers like Debussy and Ravel. As an educator, Morin taught at the Montreal Conservatory and influenced a generation of Canadian pianists. His own compositions blended impressionistic styles with North American themes, earning praise in recital and radio broadcasts. Beyond performance and teaching, he wrote articles on music criticism and helped establish music societies across Canada. Morin's dedication expanded the appreciation of modern classical music until his death in 1941.

Mordecai Ardon was a leading Israeli artist whose paintings combined abstract forms with mystical symbolism. Born in Poland, he studied art in Berlin and Brussels before emigrating to Mandatory Palestine in 1933. As director of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Ardon shaped Israel's artistic curriculum and mentored countless students. His work explored themes of history, myth, and spirituality, often featuring rich color palettes and layered textures. Ardon exhibited internationally, earning critical acclaim for his innovative style. His legacy endures in Israel's cultural institutions and public collections following his death in 1992.

George Lewis grew up in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans and began playing the clarinet as a teenager. He formed his own band in the 1920s that specialized in traditional New Orleans jazz. In the 1940s, his recordings sparked a revival of interest in early jazz styles both in the United States and Europe. Lewis toured extensively, bringing the sounds of New Orleans to new audiences around the world. He was known for his warm tone, improvisational skill, and deep respect for jazz traditions. Lewis recorded dozens of albums over his career and influenced generations of jazz musicians. He passed away in 1969, remembered as a guardian of the New Orleans jazz legacy.

Tim Spencer was a pioneering country & western singer-songwriter and actor. He co-founded the groundbreaking group the Sons of the Pioneers, acclaimed for hits like “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” and “Cool Water.” Spencer wrote numerous western standards that became staples of the genre. Beyond his work in music, he appeared in several Hollywood western films and hosted radio programs. His songwriting and performances helped popularize western music across America. Spencer’s legacy endures through the continued admiration of his compositions and the influence he had on future country artists.

Ronald Bladen was a key figure in the minimalist art movement of the 1960s. His work featured large-scale, simple geometric shapes executed in steel and other industrial materials. Bladen exhibited at leading galleries and influenced public sculpture with his bold, architectural approach. He also taught at the University of California, Los Angeles, shaping a generation of artists. His monumental installations continue to be celebrated for their commanding presence and refined execution.

Marcia Brown was an influential American author and illustrator of over 60 children's picture books. She won three Caldecott Medals for her adaptations of Cinderella, Once a Mouse... and Shadow. Brown's expressive watercolor illustrations and engaging storytelling set a new standard in children's literature. Over her six-decade career, she introduced young readers to both classic fairy tales and original stories. Her work remains celebrated for its warmth, artistic detail, and enduring charm.

Ernest Gold was an Austrian-born composer who emigrated to the United States and became a celebrated film scorer. His most famous work, the sweeping theme for the 1960 film Exodus, earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Throughout his career, Gold contributed music to over 50 films and television programs, showcasing his talent for emotive, memorable melodies. As a conductor, he led orchestras in recordings of both film scores and concert pieces. His artistic legacy endures in the timeless quality of his compositions and their influence on cinematic music.

Ashley Bryan was a pioneering artist and author who enriched children's literature with colorful illustrations and narratives rooted in African and African-American traditions. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he studied art in New York and Europe before launching a prolific publishing career. Bryan produced more than 50 books, earning multiple Coretta Scott King awards and a 2021 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his lifetime contribution. His work emphasized themes of courage, community, and heritage, and he taught illustration workshops well into his nineties. Bryan's joyful art and stories continue to inspire readers of all ages.

Al Rex was an American bass guitarist and member of the pioneering rock and roll band Bill Haley & His Comets. His driving bass lines and dynamic stage presence helped shape the sound of 1950s rock music. After leaving the band, he continued to perform with various ensembles across the United States. Known for his energetic performances, he remained active in music for over five decades. Rex's influence can be heard in the playing of countless bassists who followed.