Frank Keenan

1893-1984

American

Keenan was born in Lehi, Utah and studied at the San Franciso Academy of Fine Arts. He became a political cartoonist in San Francisco and in Sheridan and Caspar, Wyoming. He moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1923 and went to work for the city's health department, illustrating children's health care books, written by the Health Commissioner.
From 1930 to 1950 he published the magazine of the Cook County Democratic Party. Keenan was elected alderman, served as member of the Cook County Board of Appeals and was elected County Assessor in 1954. While in office, he continued to paint in his spare time and his work was exhibited at Chicago galleries. He was forced to vacate his political office in 1958 because of tax evasion charges. He served time in prison and concentrated on his painting full time after his release.
Keenan moved to Mexico in 1965 and died at his home in San Miguel de Allende.