Árpád Kallós Was Noted Portrait Artist in U.S.

Washington, DC – The Hungarian American Coalition (Coalition) has donated 12 original paintings by Hungarian-American portrait artist Árpád Kallós to the Kunszentmártoni Általános Művelődési Központ (Kunszentmárton Cultural Center). This donation ensures that the legacy of Árpád Kallós, a native of Kunszentmárton who built his artistic career in the United States between 1921 and 1961, will be preserved and celebrated in his hometown in southeastern Hungary.

Árpád Kallós (1882–1961) grew up in the towns of the Hungarian plains. After initially studying law, he shifted to art, enrolling at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest under the mentorship of Ede Balló and Gyula Benczúr. His career was shaped by his service in World War I and his emigration to the United States in 1921, where he became known for his portraits within Hungarian and American communities. Kallós exhibited his works at venues such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and painted notable figures, including members of the Hungarian royal family and prominent Clevelanders.

The donated collection includes portraits of family members, studies, and works previously exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The official donation agreement, signed by the Coalition and the Kunszentmártoni Általános Művelődési Központ, stipulates that the paintings will be cared for and exhibited by the Kunszentmárton Local History Museum. Housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings, the museum plays a central role in collecting and showcasing local artifacts and artwork. The museum will maintain the collection as a unified whole, ensuring its accessibility for public education and cultural enrichment.

This donation marks a meaningful homecoming for the works of Árpád Kallós, strengthening cultural ties between Hungarian communities in the US and Hungary.