02-05-2025
‘Keep the Arts Alive': Wichita Falls artist turns passion into inspiration
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — When Glen Bacus graduated from high school, art and baseball were his goals in life.
These dreams led him to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he majored in illustration.
After graduating, Bacus became a freelance illustrator and took odd jobs, but quickly realized art directors would always have control over his work.
'Make this blue, make that triangle, do this, do that,' Bacus said. 'They always wanted to manipulate what you made into something more of their vision.'
It was another job that led Bacus to Wichita Falls, and after leaving that job, he took a position as a News Photographer for KFDX. During his interview, he brought his artwork with him, and the news director loved it but didn't have a creative position for him.
Bacus put in the work for a year until a position opened up and he began creating commercials for business. In 2013 he was promoted to promotion director. Now, Bacus makes logos, graphics, and commercials promoting KFDX and Texomas FOX, but his creative endeavors don't end there.
Fueled by his love for music, Bacus created a painting inspired by Prince following his passing that ended up on Prince's wall at Paisley Park and now hangs in the museum at the same place.
For those local to Wichita Falls, Bacus's art can be seen all around, recognizable by his unique use of patterns and colors. Three Mane Event horses were painted by him, along with the mural 'Love Bunny.'
Most recently, Bacus, along with other artists, adopted a 'monster' from Southern Hill Elementary.
These monsters are created by students at Southern Hills. Each artist adopts a different monster and expands upon the kid's creation.
According to Southern Hills teacher Stacey Barton, 51 monsters have been adopted by local artists. All 51 were on display at The Lab at the May After Hours Artwalk.
Bacus saw the exhibit last year and loved the kids' imaginations, so he wanted to be a part of it.
'Kids have the best imaginations, and it's just good to keep the arts alive in young people,' Bacus said.
For Bacus, art was never about being famous or well-known, he just loves to do it.
'I just paint for the love of painting and to relieve stress,' Bacus said. 'I feel like I am constantly looking for the 'art' in objects and in life.'
To see more of Bacus's artwork, visit his Facebook.
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