Winslow has been blessed with the presence of a number of good artists and people who love art. These include painters, sculptors, poets, novelists and those who practice a variety of art. Among the best of these were Joe and Vada Rodriguez, who were not only skilled artists and writers, but people who made a practice of helping other artists of all sorts. They were, essentially an “arts council” before the city council created such a body.
Joe Rodriguez and Vada Carlson were married, but she was already a published author before their wedding and did not change her writing name. Both were very talented and they worked well together. They were also the best friends of Winslow area artists and writers, and generously offered their help to those who came to them for advice and assistance.
Joe was an excellent artist, and at least five of his paintings can be seen in the Old Trails Museum in Winslow. He also published excellent books of his art and illustrated books of poetry by Vada such as High County Canvas.
The couple worked with Larry Raygor as he was writing his novel Catherine’s Twins. Raygor was an excellent writer, but probably would have had a much harder time completing his book without the help and advice of the Rodriguez couple. He was a paratrooper and writing at least in part based on his experiences in World War II.
Many of us who were interested in writing or creating art would frequently gather at the Rodriguez home on Warren Avenue, where we received much needed advice and assistance. My book of poetry, Wait!, was illustrated by Joe Rodriguez, and proofread and changed due to the suggestions of both Vada and Joe.
Winslow has had several groups of artists and writers over the years, and the Rodriguez were very active members and leaders of such groups as long as they lived in the city.
Both have been gone for years now, but Winslow artists and writers have never had better friends. Their work is excellent, and Joe’s paintings are as good as you will ever see illustrating the history of Northern Arizona and the Winslow area. Vada’s books about the area, many about the Native American population, remain good reading.
Maybe more important in some ways is their influence upon other artists and the encouragement they gave us. Winslow has a number of good artists today, and there is little doubt that some of that is because of their actions and support.
