October 18, 2011

Homecoming is more than just tailgating, football and pomping. For the third year, Bingham Gallery has had a Homecoming of its own, bringing back alumni artists.

“Bringing back honored alumni is kind of what Homecoming is about,” Bingham Gallery Director Hannah Reeves said. “This is the art department’s version of Homecoming.”

Bingham Art Gallery is making its own original contribution to Homecoming, opening its Third Annual Alumni Exhibition last week. The gallery is located in the Fine Arts Center, and through Nov. 3 it will display three diverse 2D and 3D alumni artists: Charles Pilkey, John Preus and Thomas Parker.

Pilkey, a sculptor who now lives in North Carolina, obtained an MFA at MU. His education brought him to Japan, where he resided for 15 years.

“I wanted to study Japanese gardens,” he said. “I went there for a two-week visit. I had an open ticket, and I never came back.”

Pilkey dabbles in painting, but primarily is a sculptor. His work is featured in parks, museums, libraries and other public places.

“The public works and art is very different from studio art,” he said. “Occasionally a sponsor of a city or library will say we want a work about this. This is the theme. This is what we want you to do. With my private studio work, I have a general theme of technology, humanity and nature, and I integrate them.”

Preus is a studio potter with an MFA from MU’s art school as well. He was the coordinator of the Craft Studio for many years and was also a professor at Missouri Valley College. He now works independently in his own setting, Manitou Studio, in Rocheport, which is just 15 miles west of Columbia.

“Folks are welcome to come out to the studio,” Preus said. “I am working full time at my studio selling pieces. It’s functional work and some of it is sculptural, and I do one of a kind pieces.”

Parker, the third artist, received his BSEd in K-12 art education, as well as a BFA in Ceramics, and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction. Parker keeps a personal studio and resides in Columbia. He is an art teacher at Hickman High School.

Because two of the artists still reside in Missouri, local connection generated hype for the exhibit.

“Some people know these artists still from when they attended the art school,” Reeves said. “It’s nice to have a buzz from the faculty.”

These artists were invited by Jim Calvin, the head of sculpture in the Department of Art, and Bede Clark, who is the head of ceramics.

“It’s not like bringing in an international artist,” Reeves said.

The Bingham Gallery invites students from all majors to come enjoy the artwork.

“Well, if you’re an art student, you can find inspiration,” Reeves said. “These artists were all students here, but I think other students on campus who may not necessarily know this room is here could stop by because it is a really nice reprieve in between classes.”

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