Join us for an overview and illustrated highlights of the role that art played in the earliest days of the University of Illinois, and how it shaped the U of I to become what it is today and beyond. Dr. Ian Wang will share 150 years of art at the university, along with the major art movements during this period, plus John Gregory’s vision for the university, the first art collection on campus, and the development of the University Art Gallery, the Krannert Art Museum, and the World Cultures and Heritages Museum (now Spurlock Museum). Dr. Wang will also examine artwork created by U of I faculty, staff, and students, through the years—from traditional works to digital and online art.
This series will run from November 7 to December 12.
About the Presenter: After a career in medical sciences in China, Dr. Yu (Ian) Wang has been committed to the role of art in the community, writing for local publications, and organizing exhibits to promote local arts and artists. Since 1999, he has been on the Spurlock Museum Advisory Board, serving as President of the Board from 2006 to 2008; and has been a curator in the East Asian Galleries of the Spurlock Museum. He won the Champaign County Arts Council’s annual ACE Awards twice—the Community Advocate Award in 2005 and the Media ACE Award in 2008. He recently taught a popular arts course for OLLI.
Our beautiful, state-of-the-art Main Library opened on January 6, 2008. You’ll find a wide variety of books, movies, and music, as well as free events for all ages. Looking for tech options? We offer free Wifi, dozens of public computers with internet access, and public meeting rooms.
