by: Kerry Lippold Jr
On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the McKinley Foundation opened an art exhibition at Artists’ Alley dedicated to a former student and instructor of Parkland College. The art exhibition, “Water + Color,” is currently open and honoring the memory of the late Parkland alum, Jamie Stewart Kruidenier
Artists’ Alley created a media release and outlined some of her contribution to Parkland. According to the media release, “She was a lifelong educator and faculty member at Parkland Community College in Champaign, Illinois. Scores of children enjoyed her art classes through the “College for Kids” program. She studied watercolor with Don Lake for many years, later substitute teaching for him and, upon his retirement, became a popular, well-respected, and skilled teacher herself at the college. Kruidenier’s paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works are displayed in private collections and galleries throughout the country.”
Kruidenier had the opportunity to pursue what she loved while impacting the lives of so many students around her. Barbara England, co-organizer of the exhibition, said, “…she engaged students of all ages in the process of painting and the joy of the creative process. Jamie’s paintings had a spiritual quality through her choice of subject matter and her treatment of it. She loved color, especially red, as well as objects of nature from the simplest to the grand. She had a remarkable eye for seeing what would improve a piece of art and was consistently kind and encouraging in her critiques.” Sadly, her successful career was cut short by unfortunate circumstances. Around the age of 53, Kruidenier was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She then battled the disease for nearly 10 years until she passed away on July 11, 2018.
“Water + Color” was created to honor Kruidenier and demonstrate the impact she left on so many artists. At the show, you will find a combination of watercolor and gouache works with a wide variety of subject matter and techniques. Aside from the specific works, what should be emphasized is the hours of hard work and meaning behind them. “This art show, Water + Color, is a labor of love honoring the life and memory of our dear friend,” England said. Each one of the artists at the show were students at Parkland and studied with Kruidenier. The featured artists include Ann McDowell, Ann Rund, Anu Murphy, Barbara England, Birute Simaitis, Bonnie Sweitzer, Jenny Barrett, Jim Gallagher, Margaret Decardy, Martha Seif, Rebecca Renwick, Sandra Hynds and Sarah Wiseman. She was a dear friend to each of them and, “They are delighted to honor her memory through what first brought them all together, the art of ‘Water + Color,’” Artists’ Alley stated. The show will be open until Oct. 20 at the McKinley Foundation, a student focused organization and building on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. The exhibition is open to the general public.
“It’s a misconception that you must be a skilled artist to take art class after high school”.
England also wanted to point out some things she hopes the students of Parkland would take away from this exhibition. “It’s a misconception that you must be a skilled artist to take art class after high school. The Parkland Fine Arts Department offers a fine variety of introductory classes that offer a change from the typical schedule of academic courses,” England said. “Many of the artists in this show began studying art for the first time at the ends of their professional careers and their excellent work may encourage students of all ages to try their hands at something new.”
Another great opportunity for Parkland students is a show that the gallery committee is planning for Jan. of this upcoming year. The show will feature the artwork of Parkland students at the McKinley Foundation. More information about “Water + Color” and Artists’ Alley can be found at www.mckinley-foundation.org and information about the upcoming show to feature Parkland students will be coming soon.
