Vintage Painting Saturday Evening Post Magazine Art John Vargo Coal Bunker OOAK

Description: Original artwork by the artist, John Vargo (1929-2000). This painting was used for an issue of The Saturday Evening Post. It features men shoveling coal (trimmers). The article was called, “Bunkers Fire”. I have not been able to find any information on that issue, but based off of Vargo’s career it’s most likely from the 1950’s. This piece measures 16.5” x 12.5”. Oil on board. Pictures serve as additional description. Please contact me with any questions. I acquired this painting from the estate of John Vargo. I’ve listed his biography below… John Vargo John Vargo was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 9, 1929. He enrolled at the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1948 and graduated in 1951 with a major in illustration and a minor in painting. Upon graduation, Vargo began working in Cleveland as an illustrator for an advertising art studio. He also gained recognition as a watercolor painter by exhibiting his work in local art shows. Syracuse University hired Vargo in 1958 as head of the illustration program in the School of Art. When Vargo began teaching, he was the only illustration professor for a program with twelve students. The program quickly grew under his direction, reaching a peak enrollment of over 150 students in the early 1970s. With the growth in enrollment, Vargo was responsible for restructuring the curriculum to accommodate the needs of students. He split the courses up by class level in order to help the students better develop their skills. Vargo also introduced silk-screening into the illustration program curriculum. This was an important medium for students to learn because it allowed them to print their own promotional materials that they could then leave with prospective employers. In 1973 the School of Art began the MFA Independent Study Degree Program (ISDP) in illustration, a program that grew in popularity over the next few decades. Vargo was instrumental in the development of the ISDP, which provided professionals with the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree in illustration without having to leave their jobs and reside on the Syracuse University campus for an extended period of time. Students in the program met on the SU campus for a two-week session three summers in a row and met in various cities across the country for one or two day sessions throughout the year. Professional illustrators served as faculty for the program. While the ISDP struggled in its first year, by 1990 it had a waiting list and enrollment had to be capped at twenty-two students. The program was closed in 2008, yet the number of letters sent to Vargo by former students sincerely thanking him for the opportunities he provided in the program are testaments to both Vargo's and the ISDP’s impact. While teaching at Syracuse University, Vargo also worked as a professional illustrator and painter. He displayed his work in a number of exhibitions, often in Central New York, and he won many awards for his illustrations. Along with adorning University publications and promotional materials, Vargo’s illustrations were published in many nationally-recognized magazines, including Ladies Home Journal, Reader’s Digest, Beckett Baseball Card Monthly, and Audubon. In 1959 Vargo began working as an art director and illustrator for T. A. Best Advertising, based in Skaneateles, New York, a position he held until 1973. In this capacity Vargo learned about animation and designed, directed, and produced a large number of animated commercials. Vargo resigned from his position as the director of the illustration program in 1991 and retired from Syracuse University in December of 1992 after thirty-four years of teaching. During his career he had a huge impact on the education of thousands of students, many who had impressive careers working after graduation. Vargo helped to bring national recognition to the University’s illustration program. John Vargo died on May 8, 2000 in Syracuse, New York.

Price: 249.99 USD

Location: Syracuse, New York

End Time: 2025-01-13T22:33:04.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD