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Charles Phillip Hexom was born in Decorah, Iowa in 1885. He was an artist and illustrator known for his wildlife art. He studied at the Chicago Art Institute, the Chicago Academy of Fine Art, and the Federal School of Commercial Design (Art Instruction Inc.). He served as the first art instructor at Luther College from 1908-1909. In 1910, he became part owner of his father’s business, John C. Hexom and Son Shoe Store, in Decorah. From 1927-1959, he did cover art and illustrations for numerous magazines such as: Nature, American Woodsman, Fur-Fish-Game, Alaska Sportsman, National Sportsman, True West and others. Hexom died in Decorah, Iowa in 1959.

This illustration is one of many to accompany Hexom’s unpublished manuscript, The Circus from Dawn to Dusk. The manuscript, which he wrote and illustrated, depicts circus life as seen in Ringling Brothers visits to Decorah.