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WIU alumnus Thomas Jackson installs one of the pieces of his exhibit on the second floor of the WIU Art Gallery.
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Thomas C. Jackson, "Shark," 2013, ink and watercolor. Image courtesy of the artist.
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Thomas C. Jackson, "Wrapped," 2013, ink and watercolor. Image courtesy of the artist.
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Art Exhibit by WIU Alumnus Opens Saturday, Oct. 4

October 1, 2014

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MACOMB, IL – An exhibit of about 20 pieces of art done by Western Illinois University alumnus Thomas Jackson will open Saturday, Oct. 4 at the University Art Gallery.

A 1972 graduate with a bachelor's degree in art, Jackson now lives and works in Cedar Rapids, IA. He went on to receive his master of fine arts degree from Notre Dame. He later taught art at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, and worked in marketing for nearly 20 years before becoming a full-time artist in 2000.

Jackson said his works break down into three categories: series of photos combined into a finished piece, oil paintings and the section displayed at WIU, the "Halo" series of ink and watercolor mixed on paper.

"I chose to exhibit this series at WIU because it reflects the things I learned at WIU," he said. "The curriculum here really did stress learning technique, learning how to do things so they last,; doing things the right way, really."

Jackson said all three of his styles "feed off each other" and influence the way he works.

"I will see something that has been there forever and others haven't realized the impact it can have," he said.

A love of art history has driven Jackson's style, and he said that love was refined at WIU.

"Here, I really got my start in learning how to make art – how to think about art and approach art that others have made," he said. "I gained a deep appreciation of what others have done. I like looking at what had been done for the entire history of man. I also think I learned technique and I gained my Midwest work ethic here."

Since graduating from WIU, Jackson has become a full-time artist. His work is represented by the Packer Schopf Gallery in Chicago and the Moberg Gallery in Des Moines, IA.

He also sits on the WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Advisory Board, which brings him back to campus several times a year.

WIU Art Gallery Director Ann Marie Hayes-Hawkinson said she has been impressed with Jackson's work because she believes it will appeal to anyone who appreciates the challenge of drawing the human figure.

"Fans of graphic novels will appreciate the bold imagery and expressive lines," said Hayes-Hawkinson. "Not only is Tom an accomplished artist, but he has used his work experience in marketing to successfully promote his work."

Jackson will speak to Hayes-Hawkinson and Duke Oursler's art classes at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7. A reception for the exhibit will follow at the gallery from 4:30-6:30 p.m., where Jackson will speak at 5 p.m. The reception is sponsored by Al and Evie Reusch of Macomb.

The exhibit will close Saturday, Nov. 8, and his visit to campus is funded, in part, by a Visiting Lectures Committee grant. For more information about the exhibit, visit wiu.edu/artgallery.


Posted By: Jodi Pospeschil (JK-Pospeschil@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing