[8] In 1929 he won second prize in the Texas Wildflowers Competitive Exhibitions, and the generous award[9] allowed Sheets to travel to Europe for a year to further his art education.

Between 1935 and 1941, his recognition, awards, and output increased, winning him repeated mention in Art Digest and a color reproduction of his work in the book Eyes on America.

His wartime experience also informed his post-war art for a number of years, where while painting in California and Mexico in the 1940s his work followed dark hues and depressing subjects.

He directed the art exhibition at the Los Angeles County Fair for many years and brought world-class work to Southern California.

[13] Under his leadership, the school's academic program was restructured to offer BFA and MFA degrees, and a ceramics department was created, headed by Peter Voulkos.

Each year, the gallery provided visitors to the Los Angeles County Fair with access to art work found throughout the world.

To accomplish this goal, Sheets designed his branch buildings with exterior façades containing large mosaic works depicting local heritage.

[1] According to researcher Adam Arenson, there were 168 Home Savings of America locations with some kind of Millard Sheets design contribution (including signage).

[21] Mosaic murals, bronze sculptures, and stained glass designed by the Sheets Studio were placed at scores of bank branches throughout California.

[41][21] The Paul Bockhorst documentary film, “Design for Modern Living: Millard Sheets and the Claremont Art Community 1935–1975” (2015) was released posthumous.