David H. Overmyer

David H. Overmyer

2019 Hall of Fame Inductee

Student.

Artist. David Hicks Overmyer (1889-1973) was a Topeka High student, but might not have formally graduated. That was a norm back then. What is indisputable, David Overmyer is the first in a very long line of distinguished artists from Topeka High School. Beginning his art career, he first studied under pioneer Topeka artist George M. Stone, then attended the famed Chicago Art Institute and later the Art Students’ League in New York. Overmyer became well known as a muralist with some of his best examples at Ferrell Library, K-State, and historical murals for the capitol rotunda in Topeka (1951-53). Three important works are found at THS: “Pageant of Old England” in the English Room (1936), untitled Mediterranean seascape in the Faculty Dining Room (1937), and “Pioneers” in the Woodward Library (1939). An Army veteran of WWI, during WWII he was an illustrator for both Boeing and Douglas aircraft companies. Overmyer and noted American artist Maxfield Parrish were friends (their styles quite similar), and he and fellow THS Hall of Famer, Rex Stout, were cousins.