By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATOR
CHADRON – For Black History Month, the Chadron State College Art Department will host a show in Memorial Hall’s Main Gallery featuring the work of the late William Artis who taught at CSC from 1954 to 1965. The show will be open from until March 8 with a reception in Memorial Hall’s Lobby on Feb. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. A book, Uncovering Uncle William, written about Artis by his niece, Dr. Shirley Jones, will be available for sale.
Pieces for the exhibit were selected from collections in the Sandoz Center, the Chadron State Foundation, and Memorial Hall. One sculpture, titled “Madonna & Child,” was donated to the college in August 2023 by Cathy Clary. Her late husband, Morse, was a student of Artis’ and bought the piece from another student, Robert Yost, in 1968.
Professor Mary Donahue, who organized the show, said she credits former CSC Art Professor Dick Bird with revitalizing awareness and acknowledgment of Artis’ work.
“I am thankful that when I started here, we knew of William Artis’ work and his prominence in African American sculpture,” Donohue said.
Trudy Denham, who teaches three-dimensional art, said Artis was an exceptional artist and equally talented educator.
“Chadron State College is fortunate to have multiple works by Artis in the permanent collection. His pottery and sculptures are used in classes as examples and an opportunity for students to examine prominent works of art. Through his artwork, Artis still connects to and inspires students,” Denham said.