John Bell Jr. (artist) explained

John Bell Jr.
Birth Name:John Bell Jr.
Birth Date:4 October 1937
Birth Place:Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States
Death Place:Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States
Occupation:Painter, sculptor
Years Active:1965–2013
Website:John Bell Jr

John Bell Jr. (October 4, 1937 – November 8, 2013) was an American painter and sculptor whose career spanned nearly fifty years.

Bell was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on October 4, 1937, the son of Oklahoma-born parents John Sr. and Lillian L. Bell (née Sweeten). He graduated from Northside High School and University of Arkansas in 1965.[1]

In August 2013, Bell was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He subsequently died of the illness on November 8, 2013, aged 76, at his Fort Smith home. Bell was survived by his wife, Maxine, of fifty years, a daughter (born 1965), a granddaughter, and his brother.[2]

Legacy

In 2022, the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas approved the naming of a new park along Riverfront Drive after the late artist.[3] John Bell Jr. Park will be 51 acres and include soccer fields, an inclusive playground, and options for future expansion.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: About The Artist. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20200130205823/http://www.johnbelljrgallery.com:80/AbouttheArtist.html. 2020-01-30. John Bell Jr. Gallery.
  2. Web site: Acclaimed artist John Bell Jr. has died (Updated) . 2013-11-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131202221753/http://www.thecitywire.com/node/30425#.Un2v3kZXpQc . 2013-12-02 . dead .
  3. Web site: 2022-01-19. Fort Smith Directors approve John Bell Jr. Park, flood warning system. 2022-01-19. Talk Business & Politics. en-US.
  4. Web site: January 12, 2022. Commission moves forward on naming new Fort Smith park after John Bell Jr.. 2022-01-19. 5newsonline.com. en-US.