Arista Joyner, a passionate advocate for the arts and humanities, passed away on September 2, 1989. An accomplished artist, poet, writer, teacher, and historian, she played a pivotal role in the development of Arlington’s arts community.
Crystal Arista Arnold was born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 13, 1911. Arista studied fine arts at Gulf Park College for Women in Mississippi. After graduation, she returned to Kansas City and studied at the Kansas City Art Institute. She met Howard Joyner while there, and the two married on July 17, 1934.
Arista and Howard helped establish the Arlington Art Association, which later became the Arlington Museum of Art. Joyner also dedicated herself to education, teaching art at NTAC (now UTA), Arlington High School, and Tarrant County Junior College until her retirement in 1972.
Her historical work was equally significant. In 1976, she compiled “Arlington, Texas: Birthplace of the Metroplex,” a book providing an overview of the city’s history from 1838 to 1910 and published for Arlington’s centennial celebration. She also co-authored “Arlington: A Pictorial History” with Rene Harris. Additionally, Joyner was instrumental in securing a Texas Historical Marker for the Marrow Bone Spring site in the late 1970s.
Arista Joyner with her book “Arlington, Texas: Birthplace of the Metroplex,” 06/22/1976
Photo Credit: UTA Libraries Digital Gallery and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection
Arista Joyner’s tireless support for the community and the arts left a lasting legacy. She passed away at age 78 and is buried at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Arlington.
In memory: Joyner leaves lasting legacy
Fort Worth Star-Telegram—September 7, 1989
Newspapers.com
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 09-02-25
Jason S. Sullivan 