Ralph White was named by the Texas Legislature as the Texas State artist for the year 2003, an honor to recognize his important contribution to the artistic heritage of the state.

White grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and drawing and artistic expression came easily for him. From 1939 to 1942, he attended the Minneapolis School of Art, where he received recognition for his talent. After graduation, White enrolled at the University of Minnesota. His education was interrupted because he was inducted into the Army and served as an instructor on the B-24 bombers. By the end of the war he was a test pilot for the next generation of bombers.

Even during these difficult war years White found a way to continue his artisti...