One of the most prolific and recognizable artists of his time, Ted De Grazia was described as an entrepreneur extraordinaire. Although he said, "I'm glad I never really did develop a taste for money," he certainly did develop a keen sense of what would make his art a commercial success. The artist, shown in his studio on June 8, 1977, was probably best known for the countless reproductions of his colorful, faceless figures of Indians or Mexicans. But De Grazia was also an accomplished sculptor and author with three degrees from the University of Arizona. In a well-publicized incident in 1976, he burned a stack of his paintings in a protest of inheritance tax laws. De Grazia died on Sept. 17, 1982.
JOE VITTI / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 1977