Walter Anderson is recognized as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.  

                                           

Walter Inglis Anderson was born in 1903 in New Orleans to George Walter Anderson, a grain merchant, and Annette McConnel Anderson, an artist.  He was educated at a private boarding school, Parson's Institute of Design in New York, and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. 

Anderson married Agnes Grinstead, and had children who continue in the art business today.  They lived in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and worked at Shearwater Pottery. Anderson developed schizophrenia and spent 3 years in a mental institution.  Once released, he would row 12 miles off the coast to Horn Island, and stay many weeks at a time.  He did this for 18 years.    spending his time designing works of art.  He died in 1965.

Anderson painted people, animals, and plants of Mississippi.  He created over 10,000 pieces of artwork.   Today his work is recognized worldwide.