Born in a tent near San Saba, Ira Kennedy is a fifth generation Texan of Cherokee-Irish descent.  Growing up in numerous locations from Japan to Germany, his experiences are as diverse as his talents.

After being discharged from the Navy in 1964, Ira moved to New York City where he created the ads and radio spots for Limbo, a trendsetting clothing store on St. Mark's Place.  In September 1972 The Art Directors Club awarded Limbo a special “Certificate of Merit” for its contribution to Advertising, Editorial and Television Art and Design.

Ira held two solo exhibitions in New York City in 1967 & 1968, and in 1969 he participated in the group exhibition, "The Art of Money", with Andy Warhol and other notable artists in New York's Chelsea Gallery.

In 1974 Ira was hired to create courtroom drawings in San Marcos, Texas for the Austin-American Statesman.  After graduating from Texas University with a degree in commercial art he served as Art Director for the American Botanical Council before becoming publisher and editor of Enchanted Rock Magazine(1993-1998) where he created pen and ink illustrations and articles on Texas history. Articles, photos and illustrations by Ira have been published in several publications including Texas Monthly, Texas Highways Magazine, True West Magazine and Sacred Sites by Natasha Peterson.

Recently Ira's art work has recently appeared in Acrylic Works 2, Acrylic  Arts Magazine and Southwest Art Magazine. The artist currently lives in Llano, Texas and his works can be viewed on-line at www.IraKennedy.com and https://www.facebook.com/ira.kennedy.1. Ira's work is represented by River's Edge Gallery in Kerrville, Texas, Echo Gallery in Johnson City, Texas and the Llano Fine Arts Guild.