Virginia "Jinkie" Hughes

American, (1916–1986)
Virginia (Jinkie) Russ Hughes was born in San Antonio and raised in Dallas, Texas. She began her study of sculpture at age 18 while a student at Sarah Lawrence College. Her studies continued for five years at Columbia University in New York, studying clay modeling and stone carving under Oronzio Malderelli, with help from Vincent Glinsky and Jose de Creeft. From there she went on to the National Academy of Fine Arts where she continued working in clay and studying drawing under Leon Kroll. After returning to the West, her sculptures reflected a strong equine theme in bronze, which she has become known for. She has exhibited in numerous jewelry shows, and her works are in private collections around the country. One of her last pieces, a bronze of a "Life Size Hockey Player" was recently installed at the Hockaday School in Dallas. On the recommendation of the Santa Fe Arts Board, Mayor Pick proclaimed August 17, 1986 as Virginia (Jinkie) Hughes day in Santa Fe, in honor of the seventieth birthday of the gentle, talented and very humble artist.

Sources: Denver Rotary Club's Artists Of America and her niece, Christine Russ Butler