Prominent McAllen portraitist was drawn to his craft by destiny

Portraits in black and white can tell a story as well as a biography, said artist Joe Taylor. The portraits hanging on the walls in Taylor’s studio confirm that. As the subjects he sketched stare back at the viewer each carefully penciled line maps out their lives.

Taylor began his journey as an artist at 4 years old, when he recalls drawing, like most children. But the desire to create stayed with Taylor and now it’s how the 58-year-old man makes his living – though his passion didn’t become his focus until recently.

Art was always important to Taylor, but he had other interests, including history and political science, which he studied in college. After graduating, he embarked on various careers, including a 25-year stint as a criminal defense lawyer in Dallas.

One memorable job for Taylor was as a prize fight promoter in the early ‘70s. At the time, Albuquerque only had one licensed promoter, but Taylor’s supervisor didn’t want to work with him. So he asked Taylor to promote it. With no experience, Taylor managed to work out the details for the fight, which featured New Mexico’s Bobby Foster and South Africa’s Pierre Fourie.

As a professor at the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico, Taylor taught American history. At one point the administration approached him to offer him another class to teach. The proposal was given cautiously, first noting that Taylor might be interested in teaching a class in the political science department. Taylor responded that he did major in the subject and that yes, he did have an interest. They continued, saying the class would specifically be teaching constitutional law. Still, Taylor was interested, but there was more. The class was a part of the college’s extension program. Finally, they clued Taylor in on the part that would possibly break his decision: The class was to be taught at the state penitentiary.

"For three days a week, I’d drive over to the state pen and teach that class to nine very attentive convicts," Taylor said, with a laugh.

Taylor has been a lobbyist, a bartender, assistant to a Vice President at Baylor University, prize fight promoter, lawyer and college professor, yet he values his career as an artist more than any other.

"There’s a visible upswing," Taylor said of his career in art. "(Art) enhances the quality of our lives."

In 2000, Taylor moved to South Texas, making McAllen his home. He immediately settled into life in the Rio Grande Valley and has high hopes for the art community’s growth.

"I’m excited about it because there’s such a commitment to it," he said.

His portraits can be seen in museums and galleries all over the Valley. He has created portraits for some very important people, including mayors, generals, astronaut Mike Fossum, a Texas House Speaker and more.

Taylor’s own commitment to art and the community is seen in more than his contribution to government officials’ walls. When Patrick Garcia, a concert promoter with Goodbar Productions, wanted to join the McAllen Creative Incubator team, he was turned down. The director of the organization, which is meant to promote arts in McAllen and provide low cost studios for artists, wasn’t interested in having a tenant throw concerts in the building’s auditorium, said Garcia.

“Joe walked right into Steve’s (Ahlenius) office and demanded to know why they were denying Sam and I,” said Garcia. “He argued a lot of points that we thought were really valid – like how the shows would benefit the Incubator and the Chamber.”

Now the Incubator is a an official venue that other promoters can rent for their concerts. Taylor often spends time in his studio while Goodbar is throwing a show at the former elementary school. He will also snap photos of the bands and musicians who play on stage.

“It’s one thing to have promotion of a show beforehand,” said Garcia. “And another to have promotion afterward. It’s awesome that Joe takes those photos and sends them to Festiva to print.”

Recently, Taylor received a grant from McAllen to create portraits of historical figures of the city, such as John McAllen and John Young. He will also include drawings of important historical buildings, such as the first mercantile store in Downtown McAllen, which was owned by the Guerra family. He plans on using black, brown and sepia tones on Mesonite panels that are 16 inches by 20 inches and 11 inches by 40 inches.

He was also commissioned by Pharr to produce a mural of historical figures, which will likely be displayed in the city’s library. The project should be completed this week.

"This is my legacy," Taylor said, referring to the art that will hang in city halls and libraries. "Hopefully these things will stay for a long time."

Taylor’s portraits each tell a story of their own, but together they tell the story of Taylor and his passion for art, people and the community.

What direction do you see art headed in McAllen? Have you ever considered having a portrait created for yourself or as a gift? What is your favorite art gallery in the Rio Grande Valley?

Amy Nichol Smith covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4420.