User:TomFawls/sandbox

James Hughlette "Tex" Wheeler (1901 - 1954) An American artist and sculptor who is best known for his bronze sculpture of the famed racehorse Seabiscuit which holds a place of honor at Santa Anita Park racetrack in California [4] and his "...tribute to the American folk humorist, Will Rogers at Claremore, Oklahoma..." (Dickinson, 2006).

Mr. Wheeler was born in Eastern Orange County, Florida, calling the small town of Christmas, Florida home. from his early teens until his early 20's, Wheeler worked as a cracker cowboy on ranches around Central Florida. His skill and eye for art and sculpture was evident from an early age, and in the early 1920's, his family got together and funded his attendance at the Cleveland School for the Arts with his father's cousin providing room and board and his Aunt paying his tuition. From there, Wheeler was awarded a scholarship to study in Paris.

Although his works were overshadowed by more famous "Western" artists like Remington, his skill and artistry was the equal of all of them.

Mr Wheeler is buried in the Fort Christmas Cemetery.