James Anthony Kelly (1900-?) -- student

An illustrator and commercial artist, James Kelly, born in Des Moines, Iowa (1900) and divided his professional interests among several showings at the Davenport Art Gallery (1929-1931), which included first prize awards for black and white composition. Employed by the Chicago Tribune staff for several years as an illustrator, he also provided drawings for books and magazine articles. Kelly attended the 1932 session of the Stone City Art Colony and is credited with suggesting, to Grant Wood, the idea of using wagons for student housing. By the late 1930s, Kelly had studios and homes in both Davenport, Iowa and New York City. Later details about his life are being researched at this time.