BELOIT, Wis. — As the nation celebrates Black History Month, one retired Rock County artist, John Martin, said he was grateful he could still help solve crimes across the country while inspiring artistic passions within his community.
“It’s not about me — this is art. We’re going to do art here. So we’re going to have fun. That’s why I’m here,” Martin said about teaching everyone, from the very young to the very old, how to draw.
From his early days as a Rock County jailer to serving as a federal officer, Martin’s self-taught talent in sketch art became a niche throughout his law enforcement career. Now retired, he continues to contribute his expertise to assist agencies like the Wisconsin State Troopers.
“If the Wisconsin State Troopers need me at Hurley, Wisconsin, I will go tomorrow and I’ll do the hotel thing. I’ve done it before overnight, and we’ll get the sketch done, and then I’ll come back home,” Martin said.
Pride also filled Martin’s voice when he recently met and presented a sketch to his city’s top cop, Beloit Police Chief Andre Sayles.
The first Black police chief for the city said the feeling was mutual.
“I’m like that kid on Christmas morning. I finally get to meet a person that has done great work and exploit the positive things that we do at Beloit,” Sayles said.
The two also discussed working together should the Beloit Police Department (BPD) need sketch artist services.
While volunteering his time for BPD, Martin said he was also excited to continue his efforts of teaching anyone who is curious how to draw.
“You can learn to write your name, you can learn to draw. It’s the same foundation,” Martin said.
Balancing his passion for art with community engagement, Martin said he has offered free art lessons at the Beloit Art Center and Beloit Library. He has also taught at nursing homes and provided private lessons for children with disabilities.