Arthello Beck, Jr.

Arthello Beck, Jr. was an American artist who often painted scenes of places he had visited using a variety of mediums, including oils, watercolors, and charcoal.

Beck was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended Lincoln High School where he received his only formal art training. Beck is considered one of the leading Black artists in the Southwest. In 1971, he opened Arthello’s Art Gallery at 1922 South Beckley in Dallas, which is still being operated and managed by his wife. The gallery became a centerpiece of the Dallas art scene in the 1970s and 80s, and was instrumental to the careers of many black artists. In 2007, SDCC’s art gallery was named after Beck to honor his work and legacy.