Martin to sign books as WWU faculty art show opens

9/21/2011 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

Terry Martin, longtime William Woods University professor of art, is known for his vividly colored paintings of nature. Now he has combined his love of nature, art and writing in a newly published book.

“I decided to create an anthology of stories close to my heart because humble stories of an unpretentious and honest nature can motivate others to write and share their own life stories,” he said.
 
Martin will sign copies of his book, “Children, Dogs and Sunflowers,” during a reception opening the annual faculty art exhibit. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, in the Gladys Woods Kemper Center for the Arts.  
 
“For years, my primary means of communication was visual art,” Martin said. “Then students, family and friends became my reason for wanting to write a book about my experiences with them.”
 
He added, “Art, like all human endeavors, is made possible by study, passion and acquired skills, but it requires some faith before one can achieve a desirable end result … Good work requires some things not of this world. Things like love, encouragement from friends, imagination, courage and hope.”
 
In the forward to his book, Martin says, “This collection of short stories began because of a short email I received one day when I felt discouraged … the email so moved me that I continued writing stories and painting with a renewed sense of purpose.”
 
In the email, his friend wrote in part, “You write even better than you paint … you should write a book … seriously.” Martin wants his readers to “Follow the lead of my friend and encourage someone every day.”
 
The Mildred Cox Gallery will display current artwork of WWU faculty members through Oct. 21.  The exhibit will feature work by Paul Clervi, Bob Elliott, Ken Greene, Terry Martin and Jane Mudd, and will include sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry and painting.
 
Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the gallery is free. For more information, call (573) 592-4245.
                                                           

CUTLINES:
Sunflowers by Terry Martin
Raku pot by Paul Clervi
Flowers by Jane Mudd
Pencil drawing of nature by Ken Greene
Digital photography by Bob Elliott