Willard Watson

Willard Watson (1921–1995), was a folk artist from Caddo Parish, Louisiana. He also went by the nickname “The Texas Kid”. He was African-American.

Early life and family

Watson was born on June 17, 1921, in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. He produced drawings and paintings on paper. He used tableaus with text as his form of storytelling.

Legal controversy

As time passed, a neighbor complained about the “junk” in his yard led to a charge of “illegal open storage” by the City of Dallas Department of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation. Watson was supported by most of his neighbors and was found not guilty of the charge. In addition, he would give tours of his home, accepted donations of art materials, and hosted an annual cookout.

Cultural impact

In 1985, Watson's house was used as a filming location for David Byrne's movie, True Stories. Watson did not appear in the movie; however, his wife, Elnora, and one of their grandsons had roles.

Death

Willard Watson died, on June 12, 1995, in Dallas. His funeral was held at Missionary Park Baptist Church and his burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park in Dallas. He was survived by a daughter.

Awards

Watson was featured in Time, Texas Monthly, D magazines, and PM Magazine television program for his art. A children's fund was established in his honor. Dallas Museum of Art held an exhibit—Willard Watson: In Memorium, 1921–1995, as a tribute. Texas Native Artists, Witte Museum in San Antonio, 1978. The Eyes of Texas: An Exhibition of Living Texas Folk Artists, University of Houston, 1980. Rambling on My Mind: Black Folk Art of the Southwest. Museum of African-American Life and Culture, Dallas, 1987.