James Kenneth “J.K.” Ralston (1896–1987) was an American painter renowned for his depictions of the Old American West, including cowboys and Native Americans. Born in Choteau, Montana, Ralston grew up in a family of settlers who had migrated from Missouri in search of gold. His early years were spent working as a cowboy in Montana, experiences that would later influence his art.
After high school, Ralston briefly attended the Chicago Art Institute before serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. Following his military service, he returned to the Art Institute to further his studies. In 1923, he married Willo, and they spent seven years on the Pacific coast before returning to Montana to manage his family’s ranch. However, the Great Depression forced them to relocate to Billings in 1935, where Ralston established a studio and became a full-time professional artist.
Ralston’s works include murals for the Richland County Courthouse and U.S. post offices, such as The Fate of a Mail Carrier in Sturgis, South Dakota. His commercial and public art can also be found in banks and clubs across the West. His legacy is preserved through his contributions to museums, including the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and the Montana Historical Society.
In 1972, the J.K. Ralston Museum and Art Center opened in Sidney, Montana, showcasing his works. After his death in 1987, his log cabin studio was relocated to the Western Heritage Center in Billings, ensuring his artistic contributions to the American West are remembered.
