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An Interview With Henry Montes
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| Title | An Interview With Henry Montes |
| Abstract | Interviewer: Irene Ruiz. Interview recorded August 24, 1981. 1 sound cassette (ca. 90 minutes): analog, stereo.; 5 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape; 1 sound disc; digital; 4 3/4 in. Has printed guide to contents. |
| Notes | At the time of the interview, Mr. Montes was an aspiring artist. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1956. In the interview he discusses his early life, interest in art and especially mural painting, etc.
Number 33 on MP3 disc. |
| Date | 1981-08-24 |
| Location | SC69-1, Tape 37, CD 37 |
| Local Subject | Oral History
West Side
Montes, Henry
Murals
Artists
Hispanic Americans
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| Item Type | Archival Material
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| Transcription | Synopsis of Interview:
Montes is an aspiring artist. Born in Kansas City, Mo., in 1956. Never knew his father. Mother, Mary Montes, born in Chicago, but grew up in Kansas City. Maternal grandmother from Chihuahua. Spoke Spanish at home to mother and grandmother.
Attended Switzer elementary except for one year, then he attended a new school called Cathedral. School closed after one year. Returned to Switzer, then West Junior High and Westport High School. Quit high school in 11th grade and went into service. Lived with mother, grandmother and sister. Mother was a seamstress for Gay Gibson. Active in sports, but main interest was art. Two older cousins were good at art. Wanted to be like them.
Stationed in California for three years in the Marines. Made extra money by drawing portraits for servicemen to send to their girlfriends. Tried to get out of the infantry and into another area of service where he could take art classes, but was unsuccessful. Grew to like murals with Hispanic themes while in California. Returned to Kansas City after service, married woman from Mexico City. Had two sons, both under a year old at time of interview.
Has had a few temporary jobs since service, but nothing full-time. Hopes to get GED so he can attend college with service benefits. Teamed up with Ruben Garcia, an old friend from childhood who also was interested in art, to do a mural for the Guadalupe Center. Is now working on three murals for Channel 9 to be used as a backdrop for a local TV program. Mural at Guadalupe Center was about 6' by 9'. Murals at Channel 9 are larger, perhaps 6' by 10' or 12'. Eventually hopes to do both murals and portraits.
Plans to exhibit work in the Federal Building in September 1981 for Hispanic Week. Hopes to someday go to college for formal art training. |
| Access This Item | You may come to the Missouri Valley Room to listen to the interview. |
| Item ID | 210358 |
| CONTENTdm number | 36355 |
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