In a gallery in the West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center, there is now a tribute to our nation’s military history, the University’s student artists and WVU alumni.
Kacy Harrison, a student in the College of Creative Arts, won first place for her painting of the battleship U.S.S. West Virginia slicing through ocean waves as part of a contest funded by the Chicago Metro Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association.
The association wanted to honor veterans and expose students to the art field of military paintings as it sought contestants to create images of the historic battleship U.S.S. West Virginia that sank during the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor.
The winning painting was unveiled on Friday, May 1, at a special reception for the students and their families at The Erickson Alumni Center’s Nutting Gallery. The winning painting will have a permanent home at the center as part of its military display.
Twenty-four art students participated in the contest. The judges awarded second place to Kelechi Ejimofor, third place to Josh Gomke and honorable mention to Kelly Keifer, Rebecca Graham and Rachel Keeney. All of the students’ artwork will be on display in the gallery through June 2015 and later in other areas of campus.
The contest came about after the Chicago Metro Chapter made several group visits to the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. They were awestruck by the beautiful artwork that had been commissioned by the museum to honor and celebrate our nation’s rich military history. Those trips to Pritzker evolved into an idea to celebrate West Virginia’s own role in history.
“For some time we had this idea to commission a painting of the USS West Virginia to be housed on the WVU campus,” said alumna Deb Green, long-time Chicago Metro Chapter volunteer who spearheaded this effort. “After much discussion with our chapter members, the group decided that this would be a wonderful opportunity to engage and partner with WVU art students. Not only would it give them a unique learning opportunity, but it also would expose them to a growing (and profitable) field of art – military paintings.”
Working with Dean Paul Kreider of the College of Creative Arts and art professors Naijun Zhang and Amy Schissel, the group’s plan was put into action. By spring 2015, students from Zhang’s and Schissel’s art classes began “re-creating” the U.S.S. West Virginia, which was destroyed during the Battle of Pearl Harbor. Each student’s work would be judged by a panel of experts at the end of the semester. The results were amazing. Each student provided his or her own unique take on the massive ship. From magnificent use of colors and detail to crisp strokes and varying backdrops, the final masterpieces showcased the unique perspectives of each student, while bringing the rich history of the ship to life.
In recognition of students’ work, members of the Chicago Metro Chapter raised funds to provide monetary prizes for the winning paintings. Thanks to generous gifts from members of the chapter and other donors and support from WVU Creative Arts and WVU Libraries, the first place winner received $1,000, while the second and third place winners received $750 and $350, respectively. Additionally, three $100 honorable mention prizes were awarded.
“The College of Creative Arts is grateful for this partnership with alumni and friends of the university who helped us make this project possible,” Dean Kreider said. “Our students are fortunate to have this opportunity, and we are extremely proud of the work they have done to celebrate the history of the USS West Virginia.”
Throughout its more than 30 years of service to West Virginia University, the Chicago Metro Chapter has been providing social, professional and cultural opportunities for alumni and friends. The chapter hosts a number of events throughout the year, including receptions featuring WVU leaders and alumni, game watches, and other networking events. Most recently members attended a performance by WVU distinguished alumnus James Valenti. The chapter also provides financial support to a number of academic programs that strengthen their commitment to WVU.
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CONTACT: Kevin Berry, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-4731, kbberry@mail.wvu.edu
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