According to wikipedia "Robert H. Meltzer was a native of New York, born in New Rochelle, New York on October 18, 1921. He began his career in 1932 by apprenticing himself to New York-based illustrators including Hunter Barker, Edward Joseph Dreany, and Charles Ross Kinghan in their studios on Division Street in New Rochelle, NY.
After volunteering for military service in the U.S. Navy in 1938, Meltzer served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII on various submarines including the Salmon-Class Snapper and Sargo-Class Seadragon. Following WWII, Meltzer was recalled to active duty in the Navy as a combat artist during th Korean action.
Meltzer received a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU), and a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from University of Hawaii. He also attended the Art Students League of New York and the Jean Morgan School of Art. At the latter, he learned sketching and composition from newspaper and battlefield sketch artist Wallace Morgan. Meltzer also attended the School for Art Studies, where he learned technique from artists Robert Benney and Sol Wilson.
One of the greatest influences in Meltzer’s artistic development was muralist-lithographer-painter-art historian Dr. Louis Henri Jean Charlot. Charlot was a master teacher at the University of Hawaii when Meltzer was completing his MFA. Meltzer was impressed by Charlot’s emphasis on scholarship, which led to Meltzer’s artistic focus on Native American, American Southwest, and rural California landscape subjects.
Meltzer was a member of SMU’s championship football squads in 1947 and 1948. He was the 1958 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Heavyweight Weightlifting Champion for the then-territory of Hawaii. Meltzer learned weightlifting from both Olympian gold and silver-medal holder and Mr. World and Mr. Universe title-holder Tommy Kono and Dr. Peter George, captain of the 1952 (Helskinki) and 1956 (Melbourne) U.S. Olympic Weightlifting teams. Meltzer painted portraits of both Kono and George. The George portrait, which depicted Dr. George in his Olympic jacket and tie, was destroyed in a fire. During his weightlifting period in Hawaii, Meltzer served as a volunteer lifeguard at Ala Moana Beach in Honolulu.
Meltzer moved from Hawaii to California in 1959. In 1967, Meltzer was elected to the American Watercolor Society. From the mid-1970s until his death in 1987, Meltzer was an important influence in bringing professional watercolor instruction to students throughout the United States. Through Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California, Meltzer ran a series of watercolor seminars, which included as instructors Phil Dike (1906–1990), Dong Kingman (1911–2000), Millard Sheets(1907–1989), Robert E. Wood (1926–1999), and other noted American watercolorists.
Meltzer’s works are included in the collections of the Edward-Dean Museum in Cherry Valley, California; San Bernardino City Hall, San Bernardino, California; and the United States Naval Archives, Washington, D.C. Meltzer’s work is also part of the Smithsonian Museum’s collection of wooden Easter Eggs commissioned by the White House in 1981. Meltzer received a telegram informing him that he was among 70 American artists, including Andy Warhol and “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Schulz, invited to “paint or decorate wooden egg replicas” for an Easter display at the White House. Meltzer’s two submissions captured cattle grazing in the pasturelands of Beaumont, California and a herd of horses from Banning, California."
The Friends of Banning Library are delighted to announce the upcoming presentation of a Gallery and Art Sale featuring the timeless works of Robert Hiram Meltzer, A.W.S. (1921 - 1987). This special event, set to captivate art enthusiasts and community members alike, will take place from February 1st to February 15th at the Banning Library, located at 21 W. Nicolet, Banning, CA 92220.
The exhibition promises a rare glimpse into the profound artistry of Robert Hiram Meltzer, a prominent figure whose contributions to the art world have left an enduring legacy. His paintings, characterized by a unique blend of technique and emotion, reflect a keen mastery of the craft.
The Friends of Banning Library invite everyone to attend and immerse themselves in the beauty of Meltzer's creations. The exhibition will be open during the following hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Noon to 5 pm
Wednesday: 1 pm - 6 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 4 pm
For those seeking a more intimate experience, private viewings of his watercolors can be arranged by contacting fobl@banninglibrarydistrict.org.
This exceptional event not only offers a cultural treat for the community but also serves a philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the Gallery and Art Sale will directly benefit the Banning Library, contributing to its continued growth and support for educational initiatives.
The Friends of Banning Library emphasize the significance of community participation and support in preserving the rich cultural heritage encapsulated in Meltzer's artwork. By attending the exhibition or making a purchase, patrons not only acquire a piece of art but also play a crucial role in the sustenance of a vital community institution.
In the spirit of fostering a shared love for the arts and education, the Friends of Banning Library extend a warm invitation to everyone to join this celebration of creativity and contribute to the enduring legacy of Robert Hiram Meltzer. Mark your calendars for this enriching experience, where art and community converge for a cause.
The Friends of Banning Library are delighted to announce the upcoming presentation of a Gallery and Art Sale featuring the timeless works of Robert Hiram Meltzer, A.W.S. (1921 - 1987). This special event, set to captivate art enthusiasts and community members alike, will take place from February 1st to February 15th at the Banning Library, located at 21 W. Nicolet, Banning, CA 92220.
The exhibition promises a rare glimpse into the profound artistry of Robert Hiram Meltzer, a prominent figure whose contributions to the art world have left an enduring legacy. His paintings, characterized by a unique blend of technique and emotion, reflect a keen mastery of the craft.
The Friends of Banning Library invite everyone to attend and immerse themselves in the beauty of Meltzer's creations. The exhibition will be open during the following hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Noon to 5 pm
- Wednesday: 1 pm - 6 pm
- Saturday: 11 am to 4 pm
For those seeking a more intimate experience, private viewings of his watercolors can be arranged by contacting fobl@banninglibrarydistrict.org.
This exceptional event not only offers a cultural treat for the community but also serves a philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the Gallery and Art Sale will directly benefit the Banning Library, contributing to its continued growth and support for educational initiatives.
The Friends of Banning Library emphasize the significance of community participation and support in preserving the rich cultural heritage encapsulated in Meltzer's artwork. By attending the exhibition or making a purchase, patrons not only acquire a piece of art but also play a crucial role in the sustenance of a vital community institution.
In the spirit of fostering a shared love for the arts and education, the Friends of Banning Library extend a warm invitation to everyone to join this celebration of creativity and contribute to the enduring legacy of Robert Hiram Meltzer. Mark your calendars for this enriching experience, where art and community converge for a cause.