Vickie Gentri

Illustrating Justice for NBC News Vickie Gentri

This book is about Betty Wells who had a 30 year front row seat to American history covering the Watergate scandal; high profile trials of spies, terrorists, environmental and sex criminals; senators and members of congress as well as congressional hearings and debates featuring political figures of the day. There are undercover investigative stories included, where Wells would sometimes wear a wire. When cameras were not present, she would re-create the scenes doing exhaustive research in preparation for television. Of utmost historical importance, Betty Wells is the only news artist allowed behind the scenes to paint the life of the U. S. Supreme Court. She also painted her own story of the White House and many other specials depicting historical, sports and holiday events. Her art has appeared on all of NBC's news programs and has been published in the Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsweek, U. S. News and World Report and The National Geographic. Betty Wells has received many awards including an Emmy each for the illustrations of the investigative story of the Church of Scientology and the 1 hour special of "Washington Odyssey".