Art Unveiling at Metropolis Regional Education and Training Center June 12

5/30/06

The Shawnee Community College Metropolis Regional Training and Education Center will host an unveiling ceremony for works by three local artists on Monday, June 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the center in Metropolis. The official unveiling will be at 5 p.m.

The paintings were commissioned by the Capital Development Board's Illinois Art-in-Architecture program to promote and preserve the arts of Illinois by securing artwork of all media for public buildings constructed with State funds.

The entire focus of the Art-in-Architecture Program has been on the acquisition of art work by Illinois artists. The Capital Development Board spends one-half of one percent of the construction appropriation on the acquisition of artwork for new and renovated buildings that are open to the general public.
In its nineteen years of operation, the Art-in-Architecture Program has purchased or commissioned more than 500 works of art by Illinois artists for display at more than 75 locations throughout Illinois. Collections have been assembled throughout the State that provide an overview of current activity in ceramics/glass, printmaking, fibers, drawings, photography, computer art, painting and sculpture.

Scott Morris of Grand Chain created three paintings for the project. The first one depicts what any of the one room school houses in our region might have looked like in the 1930's and 40's. The second painting was inspired by the Ohio River and the Mississippi River. Scott feels they were important parts of our society and still are today.The third and largest of the three depicts what a Mississippian Indian Town might have looked like 1100 years ago - this particular one near Brookport just a little way from the Ohio River. This society had centers like this one all along the big rivers, from Alabama and Mississippi to Wisconsin.

Jerry Lee Oliver of Metropolis contributed "The Promise of the Future". This 24 x 32 watercolor depicts a young student contemplating his future in the community. Surrounding him is a historic home, a railroad bridge, a local park, the Metro Center and Fort Massac. Jerry hopes that observers will see a young man who will someday attend Shawnee College Metro Center and will become a leader in the community.

Alto Pass resident Dan Johnson's painting is entitled, "Where Rivers Run."

For more information, contact Dr. Sally West, Director of the SCC Metropolis Regional Training and Education Center at 618-634-3003.