Howard Dietz disease. Howard Dietz Howard Dietz (September 8, 1896 – July 30, 1983) was an American publicist, lyricist, and librettist. Dietz was born in New York City. He attended Columbia College and then studied journalism at Columbia University. He also served as publicist/director of advertising for Goldwyn Pictures and later MGM and is often credited with creating Leo the Lion, its lion mascot, and choosing their slogan "Ars Gratia Artis". In 1942, he was made MGM's Vice President in Charge of Publicity. He held that position until his retirement in 1957. He began a long association with composer Arthur Schwartz when
Artis the Spoonman as receiving state General Assistance Unemployable benefits from 2002 to 2010, and federal SSI benefits with alcoholism-related mental disability as of 2011. Since 2009 he has lived in Port Townsend, Washington. "World Beat Ragtime" by Shoehorn (Kutsubera Music, 1994) "A Livin' Spoonful" by Artis (2003) "The Blue Monk" by Shoehorn (Kutsubera Music, 2008) He also recorded a session for Frank Zappa. Artis the Spoonman Artis the Spoonman (born October 3, 1948) is an American street performer and musician from Seattle, Washington, who uses spoons as a musical instrument. He frequents the Pike Place Market accompanying singer/songwriter and guitarist Jim Page