McGrew, R. Brownell (Ralph Brownell), 1916-1994

Ralph Brownell McGrew, better known as Brownie to his friends, was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 6, 1916. His family moved to California when he was eight. He attended Alhambra High School when Lester Bonar was the head of the art department. He later attended Otis Art Institute om Los Angeles, California, studying with Ralph Holmes, Edouard Vysekal, and E. Roscoe Shrader. Jimmy Swinnerton introduced McGrew to Native American subjects. McGrew married Ann Froning in 1938 when they were living in Los Angeles. McGrew's awards include double awards at the Society of Western Artists annual exhibition three years in a row and seven awards at the Death Valley All California Invitational. He was named Tucson's Artist of the Year in 1983. McGrew died in 1995.

From the description of R. Brownell McGrew collection, 1948-1994. (The Heard Museum Library). WorldCat record id: 56762352