Oscar Velasquez

Oscar Velasquez (April 5, 1944 – September 10, 2021) was an American artist and muralist.

Personal life

Velasquez was born in Pharr, Texas, to migrant farm workers. In 1953, his family moved to Gilboa, Ohio, to pick tomatoes. He attended Pandora-Gilboa High School, graduating in 1965. He attended Cooper School of Art in Cleveland on a scholarship.

He married his wife, Pam Szymkowski, in December 1972. He is the brother of labor union activist Baldemar Velasquez.

Career

After graduation from Pandora-Gilboa High School, Oscar received a scholarship to attend the Cooper Institute of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduation, he was hired by the American Greeting Card Company. While he rose to direct the design department in 6 years, he wanted more freedom to do the art he desired to do, so he sought a solo career.

He was the author of two books, “Sketch of the South”, sketches of homes and scenery from the South, “Sketches of Homes”, which included homes in Bluffton, Ohio. He was hired by the art director for the filming of Sleeping with The Enemy. Oscar was also a musician who entertained in restaurants and night clubs. 1991 – Pandora, Ohio 1994 – Subotica, Serbia 1995 – Delphos, Ohio – "Early Days of the Miami Erie Canal" 2007 – Toledo, Ohio – "Our Lady of Guadalupe" 2007 – Findlay, Ohio – "Veteran's Memorial" 2009 – Ottawa, Ohio – "Celebration of Progress" 2010 – Bluffton, Ohio – "Main Street" 2011 – Miller City, Ohio 2012 – Kalida, Ohio – "Pioneer Days" 2014 – Findlay, Ohio – "We Are Findlay" 2014 – Columbus Grove, Ohio – "St. Anthony Walking" 2015 – Findlay, Ohio – "Dark Side of the Moon" 2016 – Macedonia, Ohio – "Longwood Lake" 2017 – Pandora, Ohio – "Riley Creek" 2018 – Twinsburg, Ohio 2019 – Independence, Ohio