Growing up in Ogden, Illinois, Elvin Dean Mauk (1929-2006) pursued his artistic talent from a young age. Mauk showed a great talent for someone so young; his art was constantly winning awards and blue ribbons at school shows. In high school, Mauk joined art clubs and eventually decided to enter regional and national competitions. After winning numerous awards and headlining one man shows, Mauk decided to make art a full-time pursuit. He opened his own gallery and taught classes out of his home. Mauk then had the time to travel across the country displaying his art.