Joe Chris Robertson was a prolific etchingmaker and painter until a stroke ended his productive career as an artist in 1992. A native of Arkansas, he received his BA in Art in 1948 at the University of Arkansas and earned his MFA in 1950 at the University of Iowa where he studied under the eminent etchingmaker Mauricio Lasansky. In subsequent years pursued post graduate studies at the University of California at Berkley and the University of Iowa. Travel-Study experiences in Europe, Mexico, and Canada further enriched his eclectic art style.

Mr. Robertson participated regularly in invitational and competitive regional shows in the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, and New York City and won awards for many of his works. His work is found in permanent collections at the University of Arkansas, the University of Iowa, Arkansas State Gallery, Delgado Gallery in New Orleans, Brooks Gallery in Memphis, the Asheville Art Museum, Mars Hill College, the Black Mountain Center for the Arts and many private collections.

Mr. Robertson also distinguished himself as a teacher and scholar and was for 40 years the chairman of the Art Department at Mars Hill College where he began as the only art teacher, developing the department into a 3-4 person department. In 1982 he was awarded the Gibbs Award for outstanding teaching at Mars Hill College. A gifted poet, writer, philosopher, harpsichord builder, clock builder, and cook, he was a true 20th-century Renaissance man.