Bill Rakocy was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1924. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute. He has worked as a stage designer, muralist, museum curator, and taught all levels of art instruction throughout the United States. He also received his Felician Travel Scholarship to study art in Italy. He paints
the Southwest in his own impressionistic style. He has received top awards and had many one man shows throughout the United States and Mexico. He has been a judge for many Southwestern museums and area art shows. "Bill Rakocy is an American original -- artist, author, historian, and unabashed enthusiast of the great Southwest" - Christopher Forbes, Forbes Magazine. His publications include Pancho Villa Raids Columbus Images of Paso del Norte The Ghost Town of White Oaks The Kid and Trails of Ruidoso. Bill Rakocy has become a staple in the region's art community and has been living in El Paso for over 30 years.

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