Jay Hester Gallery
Jay Hester Bio
Jay's passion for Western culture is evident in his work as a Native American and
Western artist. His ability to capture the rustic beauty of the people and places that define the American West has gained him recognition at national juried exhibitions
and shows over his long career. His award for sculpture at the Phippen Museum Show
several years ago insured his place on the winner's row while exhibiting there.
His quick draw participation always drew a crowd and many times his completed pieces
brought the highest bids. Jay was awarded an Oil Painter's of America regional award
for his Native American landscape painting "Winter's Warmth" when the organization
was hosted in San Antonio, Texas. Jay has participated in and sold his work at the
Charles Russell Museum Show, the Museum of Western Art Round Up and Collector's
Classic Shows in Kerrville, Texas as well as many others. His commissions include bronze monuments at the Markt Platz in Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Woodlands outside
Houston, Texas and in several cities and universities nation wide. Jay has been featured in national publications such as Cowboy and Indians and Southern Living
magazines and has donated both original oils as well as prints to various local
charitable organizations to support their fundraising efforts over the years.
After graduating with a degree in art from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama,
Jay was accepted to the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He became a successful illustrator for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation upon returning to the
Southeast. After several years in the commercial art business, Jay realized his
dream to paint and sculpt full time. Residing is the beautiful Hill Country of Texas
for the past twenty years, Jay continues to create while operating his own gallery
as well as being represented by others in the Southwest.