Biography of Will Simmons

(1884-1949)

Will Simmons would seem to have had all that a man would need to become an accomplished and renowned artist: exceptional innate talent, first-rate training to develop skills and technique and dedication to his craft. Just why he did not achieve a position in the top rank of American artists and enjoy prosperity, in spite of the quality of his work and the critical acclaim which it received, remains a mystery. Perhaps it was his inability to promote himself. Perhaps it was simply unfortunate timing — the fact that the Great Depression and World War II coincided with his most productive years. For whatever reasons, Will Simmons’ paintings and prints, good as they undoubtedly are, have been overlooked by the public, both in his lifetime and in the half century since his death. It is the intent of the present exhibition to give the work of this accomplished artist the attention it deserves.

Click below to download full 25 page biography

FULL BIOGRAPHY OF WILL SIMMONS