Renowned artist painted museum’s mural

By Benjamin Tumlinson

Columbia Historical Museum Board Member

If you have had the privilege of visiting the Columbia Historical Museum, the first thing you probably noticed is the magnificent mural in the lobby. The artwork “Columbia, The First Capitol of Texas” depicts scenes from early Texas history.

The artist was George E. Shackelford. He painted it for the grand opening of the First Capitol State Bank on July 22, 1950. (Press Release, Columbia Historical Museum Archive) When the bank closed its doors, eventually West Columbia history enthusiasts formed a nonprofit, leased the building from the city and reopened it as the Columbia Historical Museum. The news release goes on to say, “The early directors of the bank seemed to understand the significant role the bank building would play in the preservation of local history.”

Shackelford was born Sept. 4, 1918. He called West Columbia home for much of his life. He graduated from West Columbia High School and went on to attend several art institutes across the United States. He studied extensively under Jerry Farnsworth on Cape Cod and in Sarasota, Florida. He also studied at the Art Museum of Houston.

Shackelford’s art valued around world

His love for art started at an early age and became a lifelong passion. He dedicated his life to practicing art and teaching it. In 1956, he instructed adults in oil painting at the Adult Education Center, Bellaire Senior High School. Shackelford also served on the board of directors and as vice president of the Art League of Houston. (The Bellaire Texan, January 18, 1956)

Shackelford served in the United States Air Force for four years during World War II. In 1948, he met and married his wife Bettina while living in Florida. The couple had three children:  Peter, J. Ruffin and David.

In 1951 he began teaching art at the University of Houston. He eventually became the Head of the Art Department in 1958 until his retirement in 1975, and then he and his family moved back to West Columbia. They built a home on land his great-grandfather, James Watkins Dance purchased in 1858. (Press Release, Columbia Historical Museum Archive)

Shackelford was renowned for his artwork and murals. He was awarded first prize for several of his paintings. In 1941, he received the D’Oyley Purchase Prize in the 10th Texas General Exhibition. (Freeport Facts, Mar 23, 1950) His works can be found in Canada, Mexico, Germany and throughout the United States. (Press Release, Columbia Historical Museum Archive)

Artist’s life, community work honored by city

Shackelford and his son, David, were instrumental in preserving local history. They assisted in the restoration of the Sweeny-Waddy Log Cabin in East Columbia that dates back to 1833. The cabin was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1983.

In May of 2000, Shackelford was recognized for his contributions to society and West Columbia. The Columbia Historical Museum, in conjunction with the City of West Columbia and West Columbia Chamber of Commerce celebrated his life and work by hosting a reception in his honor. The artist was honored with a recounting of his artistic accomplishments and his contributions to West Columbia.

A monogramed brick was placed in the Pocket Park by then-President of the Chamber of Commerce Gary Stevens. Additionally, then-Mayor David Foster proclaimed that May 20, 2000, would be George E. Shackelford day in West Columbia. On May 19th, 2005, a print of the mural was created, framed and hangs in the West Columbia City Hall.

Shackelford died at his West Columbia home on Dec. 14, 2016, at the age of 98.

Seventy-two years after the opening of the First Capitol State Bank, Shackelford’s mural is still the focal point of the building. The work portrays his love for the area, his love for the arts for which he is world renowned and his love for Texas History.

As May 20th approaches, take time out of your day to come by and see “Columbia, The First Capitol of Texas” mural at the museum and celebrate “George E. Shackelford” day in honor of the man it represents.