Frank Paul Besedick

Frank Besedick was born in Hamilton, Ohio on October 19, 1913. At the early age of 4, he showed an interest and ability in art and was especially noted for his detailed drawings of the local railroad yard. During his senior year in high school, Besedick was awarded an art scholarship from the Scholastic Magazine, enabling him to attend Vesper George Art School in Boston for two years. The following year, he studied at the National Academy of Design in New York, under the direction of Hobart (Henry Hobart) Nichols. In 1936-37, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Tiffany Foundation in Oyster Bay, New York.

In 1938-39, Besedick was involved the Works Progress Administration(WPA) Art Project in New York City. His work from this period consisted of etchings, lithographs, and pencil sketches reflecting inner city and suburban everyday life--the American Scene Movement; some of which are in the permanent Fine Print Collection in the Library of Congress. Elected to the Who's Who in America, member of the Society of American Etchers, the National Arts Club, the Arts Students League, and the Southern Printmaker's Society, many pieces were selected and recognized in several exhibitions. During this time, he also developed a friendship with Ernest Roth, frequently pulling proofs in his New York Studio.