ClayHouston

ClayHouston Member Portfolios

Presenting: Arthur Gafford

Arthur Gafford’s life journey has taken him from the woods of rural Louisiana to the scorching concrete of the 3rd Ward to the lush lethal jungles of Vietnam to the bright green lawns and pristine pools of Sugarland, Texas. A life this rich has been rife with inspiration for Arthur who has developed into an artist and art teacher with profound talent and skill.

Gafford, an artist of African and Native American descent, was born in Louisiana and raised in Louisiana and Texas. As a child in Shreveport, Arthur’s tools were limited to pencils and paper. He drew his inspiration from the art most accessible to him, namely drawings and cartoons from children’s books. Fortunately, his middle and high schools offered art classes and it was there that his ink and pencil drawings became the objects of great discussions and admiration.

After a stint in Vietnam as a paratrooper and Bronze Star awardee, Gafford enrolled in and graduated from Prairie View A&M University. He earned undergraduate degree in Art Education and minored in Special Education. His graduate degree is in Education. College brought Gafford back to his rural roots where he produced watercolor and acrylic paintings of pastoral landscapes.

Arthur Gafford’s teaching career has spanned more than two decades and has included teaching special education, art education, and art to adult students enrolled in city-sponsored programs. The consummate educator, Gafford also describes himself as a "consistent and persistent student." He constantly strives to improve his capabilities both as an art teacher and as an artist. In fact, Gafford’s present work as a potter resulted from his desire to expose his students to a range of artistic expression. Gafford believes that his effectiveness as a teacher is rooted in his ability to master and demonstrate various mediums.

The artist is presently enrolled in studio classes at the Glassell School of Art.