Two upcoming exhibitions and a dedication will honor the life and career of master artist and Linfield College professor emeritus Nils “Skip” Lou, who passed away in 2013.
“Collections, Colleagues and Play,” featuring selected pieces on loan from Lou’s extensive catalog of ceramic vessels, sculptures, paintings and drawings, will be on display Feb. 9 through March 14 in the James F. Miller Fine Arts Center at Linfield College. A dedication of an exhibition space, the former studio gallery, along with a reception, will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. in the new space. In conjunction with the dedication and show, a second art exhibit featuring work by Linfield faculty in honor of Lou, will be held in the Linfield Gallery.
“Nils’ positive influence on hundreds of students and fellow artists is incalculable as is his place in contemporary ceramic history,” said Cindy Hoskisson, ceramic artist and adjunct professor of ceramics.
During the ceremony, a plaque will be unveiled in the gallery with the inscription: The Nils Lou Gallery is dedicated to the spirit of art and promotes three key concepts master Nils Lou emphasized at Linfield College as a beloved instructor, colleague and mentor:
- Art asks one to do more than is expected
- Art needs one to be in the zone of time and space with grace and poise
- Art requires one to seek the play spirit
Lou, who passed away Dec. 25, 2013, has been described as an artist, teacher, golf coach, and beloved and playful spirit. He devoted over 30 years of creativity, passion and brilliance to Linfield College. He remained an active and engaged professor, publishing and exhibiting his work, having shown in more than 200 exhibitions during his career. He received numerous awards and recognitions, including two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and an Oregon Odyssey of the Mind Creativity Award. He was one of the founders of the East Creek Anagama kiln and the author of several books, videos and articles including “The Art of Firing” and “The Art of Play.” His works are featured in collections throughout the world including the Moscow Kremlin in Russia, Kanto Gakuin University in Japan and the National Museum of Art in Costa Rica.
LINFIELD GALLERY
Exhibitions of regional, national and international stature are on view throughout the academic year in the 1,500 square foot space at Linfield College. Patrons can expect challenging shows that exemplify diverse approaches to the practice of contemporary visual art.
All exhibits are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is located in the James F. Miller Fine Arts Center on the Linfield College campus at 900 SE Baker Street in McMinnville. Parking is free. For more information, call 503-883-2804 or visit Linfield Gallery online at www.linfield.edu/art/gallery-now.html.
