Osceola-News-Gazette_339750

Thursday, April 27, 2023 OSCEOLA NEWS-GAZETTE Page 5 LOCAL By Christina Skinner e Legacy of Ernest ‘Buster’ Kenton has been cherished in Florida for over 70 years. From his birth in 1920 to his passing in 1991, Kenton’s fondness for Osceola County was depicted in his artwork, and his involvement in shaping our community is still remembered to this day. Kenton spent his life appreciating the natural beauty of Florida and representing it to others. In his paintings, you can see the expressive nature of the cattlemen and the life of the rodeo stars of the time. His most notable adaption was of Pete Clemons - an Osceola County legend rodeo star and cattle rancher whose likeness would provide the inspiration for a local cartoon character known as “Kowboy Jake”. From his creation in 1948, Kowboy Jake would serve as the main promot iona l figure for the city of Kissimmee. He would soon appear everywhere, from postcards to promotional material, as he became a symbol for the friendliness of Kissimmee. For years, the image of Kowboy Jake was one of the rst things seen entering the city. Soon after, he became the mascot for Osceola High school, where he remains to this day. Kenton watched as Kissimmee adapted to a new way of life, and the imagery of cattlemen no longer de ned the leading culture. But through his oils and watercolors, Kenton was able to depict the pages of Osceola County that had been slowly diminishing. He represented well both the people and their livelihood at the time, which created a following of those who cherished Florida by immortalizing imagery like cattle, hunting dogs, and rodeos in painted scenes. K e n t o n w a s recognized in 2015 by the city of Kissimmee and the Osceola County Board of Commissions and in 2022 was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. e Hall of Fame was established in 1986 by the legislature and recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida. With his induction, Buster Kenton’s legacy was solidified, and he has become a name in Kissimmee that will be remembered and honored for his cultural contributions. Kenton’s art has t r ans c ended pa s t Florida and into other parts of the country, which has given his art a national audience. His representation of the natural wildlife of Florida has inspired and provoked a sense of curiosity. Florida, with its backwoods and ranches, were his passion, and his talent allowed him to share this love with others through his works. e Osceola County Historical Society will be commemorating his life and achievements on May 3, 2023. The event, which is free for all to attend, begins at 6 p.m. On display are works from both private collections and the Osceola County Historical Society and will be on display until Autumn. Below you can nd a coloring model of Kowboy Jake in which Osceola History will be holding a contest for. The prize will be 4 complimentary tickets to the Pioneer Village and a T-shirt of choice. A decision will be made on Monday, May 1st and the Winner will be contacted and have their piece showcased in the Exhibition. Please come on by and drop off your pictures of Kowboy Jake at the Welcome Center located at 4155 Vine St, Kissimmee, Florida for a chance to win! Please feel free to contact Osceola History with any questions or wish to showcase your personal Buster Kenton piece at the Exhibition. (407) 396 -8644. The Buster Kenton Legacy Osceola History coloring contest Color the drawing below for your chance to win 4 complimentary tickets to the Pioneer Village and a T-shirt of your choosing. Decision will be made on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 and the winner will be contacted and have their piece showcased in our Exhibition. Drop off your pictures by Monday, May 1, 2023 at our Welcome Center, 4155 Vine St, Kissimmee, Florida. OSCEOLA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION