July 26

Edward Poynter was born in 1836 in London and trained at the Royal Academy Schools and abroad in Antwerp and Rome. He gained acclaim for elaborate paintings depicting classical and biblical themes, such as "Israel in Egypt." Poynter served as Director of the National Gallery from 1894 and President of the Royal Academy from 1896. He championed academic art standards and influenced a generation of Victorian painters. His illustrations for books and periodicals complemented his large-scale canvases. Poynter's leadership in the art world lasted until his death in 1919, leaving a legacy of institutional reform.

Born in 1871, Winsor McCay became a leading figure in early American comics and animation. He created the beloved comic strip "Little Nemo in Slumberland," celebrated for its intricate artwork and imaginative storytelling. In 1914, McCay produced "Gertie the Dinosaur," one of the first animated films to feature a character with a distinct personality. His innovative techniques in timing, perspective, and fluid motion laid the groundwork for modern animation. Beyond cartoons, he wrote, produced, and performed vaudeville acts, demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer. McCay’s visionary work continues to inspire animators and artists around the world.

Born in 1893, Cedric Gibbons became a leading art director at MGM Studios, working on over 1,000 films. He is credited with designing the Academy Award Oscar statuette, a symbol that endures in film culture. Gibbons won 11 Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, pioneering the Art Deco style on the silver screen. His innovative set designs appeared in classics such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “An American in Paris,” and “Grand Hotel.” He collaborated with top directors to create lavish, immersive worlds that defined Hollywood glamour. Gibbons’s artistic vision and attention to detail left a lasting legacy on cinematic production design.

Born in 1899, Cemal Tollu served as a lieutenant in the Turkish army before dedicating himself to painting. He emerged as a key figure in Turkey's modern art movement, known for his bold use of color and stylized forms. Tollu exhibited at national galleries and collaborated with fellow artists to introduce contemporary styles to the Turkish art scene. His work bridged traditional motifs and avant-garde techniques, earning him acclaim among critics and peers. Throughout his career, he inspired a generation of artists to explore new artistic expressions. He passed away on July 26, 1968, leaving a legacy in the evolution of modern Turkish art.

Diane Arbus was born in 1923 in New York City and began her career assisting her family's photography business. She developed a distinctive style of black-and-white images that focused on outsiders, performers, and individuals living on society's fringes. Arbus's work challenged traditional notions of beauty and normalcy, earning both acclaim and controversy. She published influential portfolios and held solo exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art. Arbus also taught photography at the Rhode Island School of Design, shaping future generations of artists. Tragically, she took her own life in 1971, but her legacy endures through her powerful and empathetic imagery.

Mary Wells was born in 1943 in Detroit and signed with Motown Records at the age of 17. Her breakthrough single, 'My Guy,' topped the Billboard charts in 1964 and became one of Motown's signature hits. Wells's soulful voice and youthful charm made her a trailblazer for female artists in the R&B and pop genres. After leaving Motown, she recorded for other labels and continued to tour internationally. Despite industry challenges, she maintained a loyal fan base and influenced future generations of singers. Wells passed away on July 26, 1992, but remains celebrated for her contributions to soul music.

Born in Sao Paulo in 1917, Laurindo Almeida moved to the United States in the 1940s and became a leading figure in modern guitar playing. He blended classical technique with jazz improvisation and authentic Brazilian rhythms. Almeida collaborated with jazz greats such as Charlie Byrd and Bud Shank, helping to introduce bossa nova to American audiences. He recorded critically acclaimed albums and won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Performance. As a composer, he wrote film and television scores that showcased his unique musical voice. Almeida’s innovative style influenced generations of guitarists worldwide.

Alexander Golitzen emigrated from Russia to the U.S. and began his Hollywood career at RKO Pictures in the 1930s. He designed sets for more than 300 films, from film noir to musicals, showcasing his versatility and creativity. Golitzen’s meticulous attention to detail helped define the aesthetic of Hollywood’s golden age. He received multiple Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction. His legacy endures in classic films whose memorable sets continue to inspire designers and audiences alike.

Joe Arroyo was one of Colombia’s most influential musicians, blending salsa, cumbia, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. He rose to fame as lead singer of Fruko y sus Tesos before launching a successful solo career. His 1986 anthem 'La Rebelión' became an international salsa classic and cultural touchstone. Arroyo released over thirty albums, earning numerous awards and recognitions. His dynamic performances and innovative compositions continue to inspire Latin music artists worldwide.

Tom Borton was a versatile saxophonist whose career spanned jazz, pop, and film music. He released solo recordings that showcased his lyrical improvisation and harmonic sophistication. Borton composed original scores for television series and independent films, demonstrating broad creative range. He performed with various ensembles and toured internationally, captivating audiences with his expressive style. In addition to performing, he taught workshops and mentored emerging musicians, fostering jazz appreciation.

Margaret Olley (1923–2011) was one of Australia's most beloved painters, renowned for her lush still-life and interior compositions. Her vivid use of color and attention to detail captured everyday objects with warmth and intimacy. Over a career spanning seven decades, Olley held dozens of solo exhibitions and won prestigious awards, including the Order of Australia. A dedicated philanthropist, she donated hundreds of artworks and supported numerous galleries and institutions. Her generosity and passion for the arts left a lasting legacy, inspiring emerging Australian artists. Olley's home and studio, recreated at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, testify to her enduring influence.

Don Bagley (1927–2012) was an accomplished American double-bassist known for his contributions to jazz and studio recordings. He performed with top big bands and small ensembles throughout the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing his lyrical bass lines. Bagley composed numerous pieces, blending jazz idioms with classical influences. A sought-after session musician, he recorded for film scores, television, and commercial jingles. His inventive playing style influenced a generation of bassists and studio musicians. Bagley's legacy endures through his recordings and compositions, which continue to be celebrated by jazz aficionados.