Press Release

Exhibit Reflects World War II Veteran’s Experience

Thirty years after his tour of duty as a U.S. Army scout in war-ravaged Germany, Jim Work began painting the land, communities and people he encountered there in 1945 and 1946 and later when he visited the area with his wife. A collection of his paintings will on display in the Museum at the George Bush Presidential Library from January 31 through April 25.

While in Germany, Work spent time in several areas taking photographs, sketching, writing letters home and gaining knowledge of the country and its people. He used these resources and a return trip to Germany to refresh his memory and renew his inspiration. Work’s paintings of the post-World War II German landscape draw you in as they give you a glimpse of what life was like in Germany at that time. The forty paintings in this collection reflect an observant, meticulous painter who has captured snapshots of a culture, place, and time long since past.

Work is a native of Katy, Texas. After returning from Germany in 1946, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, enrolled in the Virginia Military Institute and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a commission as 2nd Lt. in the USAR.

The collection of paintings will be on display from January 31 through April 25 in the Fidelity Gallery. The Museum at the George Bush Presidential Library hours are Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 until 5:00 p.m. Museum admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for senior citizens 62+ and active retired military with ID, as well as groups of 20 or more with advance reservations. Children 6 and older are $2.00; TAMU and Blinn College students as well as children under 6 are free.