Among the true masters of American art in the first quarter of the 20^th century, perhaps none were more celebrated than George Bellows.  Born in Columbus Ohio in 1882, Bellows was raised in an upper middle-class family on the outskirts of downtown Columbus in a home designed by his architect father. 

After enrolling at Ohio State University in 1900, he spent less than two years on campus.  While a good student, he chose to supplement his studies by playing on the baseball team and volunteering his skills as an illustrator for the student yearbook.  After less than two years, he felt his calling was to move to New York City to pursue a career as an artist.  He soon enrolled in the night class of important and controversial art instructor, Robert Henri.  In less than a decade, he became one of the most successful artists in New York. 

He is best known as a master of American Realism.  His dynamic urban scenes and powerful depictions of everyday city life were a dramatic departure from the preferred academic art of the times.  His style and that of his fellow students of Robert Henri became known as the ‘Ashcan School.’