Local artist commissioned by Silver Dollar City
December 24, 2020
Gage Becker
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Part of Silver Dollar City's 60th Anniversary mural.
Missouri Mural-one of Becker's personal pieces of art.
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Shana Harter
If you’ve spent time at Silver Dollar City in the last year, you may have noticed artwork celebrating the park’s 60th anniversary. The artwork includes pieces that Silver Dollar City commissioned 24-year-old local artist Gage Becker to create.
Gage Beck knows Silver Dollar City like the back of his hand. Becker grew up in Silver Dollar City. First, his grandmother began working there in the 1990s. Then, at age 15, Becker also began working at the 1880s themed amusement park. After graduating from Reeds Spring High school in 2004, he pursued a study in art at Missouri State University.
When asked how his talent became known at the City, he recalls, “While working through the years, I was notorious for taking breaks with a pad of paper and a pencil, sketching. My passion for the park became apparent, and I wanted to utilize my skills artistically. Eventually, this led me to where I currently work in the Visual and Design Department-in Entertainment and Events.”
Becker’s team designs, produces and installs décor for various festivals and special events on the Silver Dollar City properties. At the end of last year, Becker created art pieces in celebration of their 60th anniversary. Becker said, “This was very exciting to be commissioned with, but I was intimidated at first. Designing something for such a huge achievement didn’t stop me! I tried to imagine and capture things that have been memorable to me, and to others, that has been experienced at this amazing park. In the end, it was an honor and a memorable piece to add to my portfolio.”
When asked when Becker began to see himself as a legitimate artist, he answered, “Personally, It’s difficult to use the term legitimate as describing myself as an artist.” Today’s skils, he says, are the results of thousands of sketches, hours of painting and years of practice that built the foundation for the artist that he is today.
It wasn’t until high school that I was comfortable enough to sell my work. More people started seeing my art, and I began doing commissioned pieces.
Becker credits a local artist, Andy Miller, as one of his biggest influences. Becker said Andy was an artist for Silver Dollar City, and other local businesses, during the 60s,70s and 80s. “Growing up and visiting Silver Dollar City (and later working there,) I became exposed to his unique creativity. He gave the park their crooked rooflines, humorous signs, and overall charm and atmosphere. The style that he captured inspired me throughout my childhood, often being inspirations to some of my pieces.”
Becker says if he could be remembered in the art world a hundred years from now, he would hope it would be for his constant support. “I believe anyone can create art; it’s the style and quality that will be custom to your self. Don’t put art in a box and think it should be perfect! I’m known to say that practice makes progress.
If you’ve spent time at Silver Dollar City in the last year, you may have noticed artwork celebrating the park’s 60th anniversary. The artwork includes pieces that Silver Dollar City commissioned 24-year-old local artist Gage Becker to create.
Gage Beck knows Silver Dollar City like the back of his hand. Becker grew up in Silver Dollar City. First, his grandmother began working there in the 1990s. Then, at age 15, Becker also began working at the 1880s themed amusement park. After graduating from Reeds Spring High school in 2004, he pursued a study in art at Missouri State University.
When asked how his talent became known at the City, he recalls, “While working through the years, I was notorious for taking breaks with a pad of paper and a pencil, sketching. My passion for the park became apparent, and I wanted to utilize my skills artistically. Eventually, this led me to where I currently work in the Visual and Design Department-in Entertainment and Events.”
Becker’s team designs, produces and installs décor for various festivals and special events on the Silver Dollar City properties. At the end of last year, Becker created art pieces in celebration of their 60th anniversary. Becker said, “This was very exciting to be commissioned with, but I was intimidated at first. Designing something for such a huge achievement didn’t stop me! I tried to imagine and capture things that have been memorable to me, and to others, that has been experienced at this amazing park. In the end, it was an honor and a memorable piece to add to my portfolio.”
When asked when Becker began to see himself as a legitimate artist, he answered, “Personally, It’s difficult to use the term legitimate as describing myself as an artist.” Today’s skils, he says, are the results of thousands of sketches, hours of painting and years of practice that built the foundation for the artist that he is today.
It wasn’t until high school that I was comfortable enough to sell my work. More people started seeing my art, and I began doing commissioned pieces.
Becker credits a local artist, Andy Miller, as one of his biggest influences. Becker said Andy was an artist for Silver Dollar City, and other local businesses, during the 60s,70s and 80s. “Growing up and visiting Silver Dollar City (and later working there,) I became exposed to his unique creativity. He gave the park their crooked rooflines, humorous signs, and overall charm and atmosphere. The style that he captured inspired me throughout my childhood, often being inspirations to some of my pieces.”
Becker says if he could be remembered in the art world a hundred years from now, he would hope it would be for his constant support. “I believe anyone can create art; it’s the style and quality that will be custom to your self. Don’t put art in a box and think it should be perfect! I’m known to say that practice makes progress.