Donald ("Don") E. Houts (1908-1991) -- student

A professional painter, Don Houts was born in Belle Plaine, Iowa in April 1908 and managed to only complete a sixth grade education in Oskaloosa, Iowa, when he was forced to quit his schooling and to financially assist the family by working in a Chinese laundry. Despite the economic hardship, Houts dreamed of being an artist and hitch-hiked his way to the east coast, where he enrolled at the Phoenix Art Institute (NYC) and at Columbia University (NYC), pursuing part-time studies in painting (1931-1933). While a student, Houts lived in the city's downtown YMCA, employed there as a lifeguard, swim coach, and diving instructor. He returned to Iowa in 1933 and attended the second session of the Stone City art colony; Grant Wood, Adrian Dornbush, and Florence Sprague were his major instructors. Worried that he might lose his Iowa sweetheart, Mildred Roberts, Houts relocated to the small community of Meridian, Idaho; Robert's family had moved there for her brothers to attend college. Having no employment prospects, Houts quickly found work at the W.P. Fuller Paint Company in Boise as a window decorator, eventually becoming manager of the store and marrying Roberts in 1935.

As World War II's draft selections began, Houts enlisted with the U.S. Navy, recruited for his diving expertise. During boot camp, instructors recognized his problem-solving capabilities and his sketching talents. Houts was immediately stationed at Hill Air Force Base (Ogden, UT) where he taught airplane mechanical repair and created illustrations for instruction needs. He was later transfered (1944) to the U.S. Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, where he worked as a technical illustrator for aircraft assemblies. Following his honorable discharge, Houts returned to Boise and was employed at Gate City Steel as a draftsman. Between 1949-1959, Houts worked as an independent contractor for the Morrison-Knudsen Company (Boise, ID), creating artist conceptions of proposed operations; the company assisted in building the Hoover Dam and Trans-Alaska pipeline. The artist was also employed by Idaho Sprocket and Machine Company, Murry V. Johnston, and Smith & Kangas Engineers, serving mainly as a draftsman. In his free time, Houts made unique Christmas cards and became known for his mastery of penmanship and lettering fonts.

Following retirement in 1970, Houts resumed the life of a professional artist, focusing on oil painting. He was twice selected as the "Boise Artist of the Month" and had several one-man shows in the area (1970-1985). Houts' favorite techniques applied to landscapes; numerous private commissions included portraiture, still lifes, and various life scenes. He was active in veterans' associations, his local church, and a member of the Boise Art Association. Houts remained in Boise and died there in February 1991.

Two versions of a 1986 letter from Mr. Houts to Ms. Cecelia Hatcher of Anamosa, Iowa are linked below. In the letter, Houts recounts his experiences at the Stone City Art Colony in 1933. Adobe Acrobat is required to view these files.

Copy of hand-written letter with memories of the Stone City Art Colony in 1933.

Typed edited transcript of the letter.

The artist, employed by Idaho Sprocket Company, at his drafting table (1963). Samples of his detailed illustrations surround the work area.

"Gray Day on the Cove"

"Remember?" Inspired by Houts' visit to a small elementary school in Boise, built by a family member in 1962-1963, this painting may reflect his childhood in Beacon, Iowa. A few, spare desks were available for purchase, forming the central image in the painting.

A European setting.

"Spring in the Cascades" depicting Mount Shuksan in northern Washington state, about 100 miles east of Bellingham. Image reflects a site within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

A view of the Swiss Matterhorn.

Houts personally designed his family's Christmas cards for many years. This card celebrates the 1955 holiday season.

All artwork images provided by Carolyn Houts Gilbert, Boise, Idaho.

The artist at age 33 (1941).

The artist at age 77 (1985).
Artist images provided by Carolyn Houts Gilbert, Boise, Idaho.