If you follow the Prospectus News, then you will know about the Giertz Gallery and its wonderful collection of accomplished artists. But, what about the amateur, the growing artists learning at Parkland now? How are they doing?
Thanks to the support of the McKinley Church and Foundation, you can find out in person. Found on 809 S. Fifth Street, the McKinley Foundation has been around the University of Illinois for over 100 years. It started as purely a church and then a housing chapter for the boys of the University. Once upon a time, long ago, the U of I was a boys-only school, but thankfully women’s suffrage ended that, and with a new coed campus, the girls would need a place to house. The McKinley Church and Foundation were one of the first student housing chapters to do so. When civil rights activism began its first chapter, who was there in support of multi-racial church services? McKinley. Also, a proud supporter of LGBTQ+ members has been there in support of everyone at the battlefront. Today, with their new artist ally committee, they put their progressive powers into the art community.
McKinley’s first edition to their artist’s alley was of renowned trans-rights photographer Jess Dugan. Their photos depict a forgotten tale of the older trans generation, bringing their natural glory to light. They were extremely lucky to obtain photographs from Dugan, their photos being accepted in the Library of Congress. With such admirable talent as deemed by scholars, onlookers, and other artists, McKinley needed another hit for their gallery hall. In comes Joan Stolz and Peg Shaw, art faculty and representatives for Parkland. With words better than my own, this is what they had to say about the new addition to McKinley.
“This exhibition features photographs and drawings created by Parkland College art students – current and recent alumni. We selected this work from some of their dedicated artists to show their range of media and content. Parkland College offers a variety of 2D and 3D art classes for degree and non-degree students. The high quality of the work speaks to the devotion of both the students and the teachers at Parkland, who believe art is for everyone. You don’t have to be an art major to take art classes at Parkland!”
One such artist is Brandon Gilliland. Gilliland is in his third year at Parkland, seeking to transfer and complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design. Funny enough, Brandon doesn’t think of himself as strictly an artist. Sure, he got an art scholarship to go to Parkland right out of Monticello High, and sure he has three pieces featured in this gallery, but his humble spirit reassures him he is just an artist for fun. It was because he found art and its community so fun that he has been allotted such incredible feats of scholarship. He was home-schooled until his freshman year of high school, and to fend off the shyness that comes from lack of public school experience, joined his school’s art club. There, he found his comfort in shades of charcoal and pastel, making friendships and mentorships that helped him to get here. When he got to Parkland, he did the same, joining our art club headed by Denise Seif. The combination of our club and art classes curated confidence that transitioned into his drawings. When asked for any advice for prospective artists he had this to say, “First off, our professors are great. College is scary but these professors make it worth it! They want you to be proud and they help you in such a casual way that makes it easy to learn. Also, take your time, but use it wisely. If you put in the work and appreciate the process, it will work. Anyone can draw, you just have to want to and be lucky.”
Photo by Nate Carsten
I am lucky to have had this opportunity to learn about our programs here at Parkland, ones that would have remained in the dark without my job as a reporter. As a new experience, when I entered the McKinley Foundation house for its opening reception, I didn’t know what to expect. I walked in and was met with instant electricity. Students, faculty, members of the community were all buzzing with appreciation. In this building with such history, new energy brought it life. I saw people I knew from school, from work, from the grocery store. We talked and exchanged thoughts and stories and learned from one another. It was like no other art exhibit; this was a community event. Though grand museums are wonderful, they can only be appreciated with the distant whispers of strangers. Art is an even that is truly captured when appreciated together. Appreciated by community of teachers, rivals, supporters, and all the cheesy themes we hold true. There is no better secret Eden of artistic growth than right here at Parkland.
A special thanks must go towards Paula Hancock. Hancock serves as executive director of the McKinley Foundation and is responsible for putting together this wonderful family event with more to come. A special thanks to Peg Shaw and Joan Stolz for mentoring and bringing these artists to our attention. Finally, a special thanks to all the artists who had their pieces featured. You inspire us. Keep on just having fun and creating for the sake of it.
