05/25/2026
This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave veterans who have served our country.
Today, we highlight three meaningful works from the LMFA collection created by veterans. Their bravery, sacrifice, and creativitiy is not forgotten.
Title: Self-Portrait With Art
Artist: John Vanecek
Date made: 1974
Medium: colored pencil on paper
John Vanecek (1942-2025) spent four years in the United States Air Force. He then studied at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas. Vanecek taught Life Drawing and Design at the University of Texas from 1970-1973. Vanecek’s exhibitions include the “First Texas Erotic Art Show” at the Camden Galleries in San Antonio, Texas in 1970 and “Drawings From Five Austin Artists” at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts in Longview, Texas in 1974.
Title: Sutton Place
Artist: Herman Fleet
Date made: 1972
Herman Fleet (1924–2009) was a World War II veteran, accomplished painter, and professional pianist. Born in Houston and a graduate of Rice University, he served as a WWII gunner before enjoying a long, multi-faceted career as a fixture in the New York City arts and music scene.
Title: Century Plants
Medium: Oil on Masonite
Date made: 1957
Artist: Deforrest Judd
1916-1992
DeForrest Judd (1916-1992), in 1938, graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He taught art at Southern Methodist University for nearly 40 years, from 1946 to 1981. He is associated with the Dallas Nine. In addition, DeForrest served in U.S. Army during WW II.
