Kenneth Riley
American, 1919-2015
Studied art at the Kansas City Art Institue where he was a student of Thomas Hart Benton, and was influenced by teacher Harvey Dunn. During World War II, Coast Guard Specialist Second Class Kenneth Rilely was one of the most honored combat artists. Following the war, Riley found fame as an illustrator, starting with The Saturday Evening Post and later working with Life and National Geographic.
In 1973 Riley became a charter member of the National Academy of Western Art, and in 1982 was voted into the Cowboy Artists of America, receiving the prestigious Stetson Award in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1991. He was also awarded Gold Medals in 1984, 1988, 1989, 1993, and Silver Medals in 1983, 1987, and 1995. Riley won the coveted Prix De West Award in 1995. His original works are displayed at major venues and museums across the nation including the White House, the Smithsonian Institute, The Air Force Academy, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana.
In 1973 Riley became a charter member of the National Academy of Western Art, and in 1982 was voted into the Cowboy Artists of America, receiving the prestigious Stetson Award in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1991. He was also awarded Gold Medals in 1984, 1988, 1989, 1993, and Silver Medals in 1983, 1987, and 1995. Riley won the coveted Prix De West Award in 1995. His original works are displayed at major venues and museums across the nation including the White House, the Smithsonian Institute, The Air Force Academy, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana.