Section A • Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Monday, October 12, 1998
Fine Arts dean to step down, return to full-time teaching
Peter Thompson, dean of the School of Fine Arts, stands by the stained-glass windows, which he designed, in Bales Recital Hall. Thompson will resign as dean after the academic year and return to full-time teaching. Photo by Roger Nomer/KANSAN
Thompson's help led to improvements for Fine Arts school
By Carolyn Mollett Kansan staff writer
Peter Thompson, dean of the School of Fine Arts, will relinquish his position at the end of the academic year and return to full-time teaching in the art department.
"It's good for the school to get some fresh energy in the office," Thompson said.
Thompson came to the University of Kansas in 1965 as a drawing and painting instructor. He has served as dean since 1985.
Construction of the Lied Center for Performing Arts and Bales Recital Hall occurred during his tenure.
Thompson said that he discussed the need for a performance center with former chancellor Gene Budig when interviewing for the dean's position.
"Getting that facility was just wonderful for the University and people in Lawrence," Thompson said.
Bales Recital Hall is connected to the Lied Center and contains a pipe organ. It seats more than 200.
"It's one of the most stunning classrooms you'll ever see," Thompson said.
He designed the stained-glass windows in the recital hall. Some of his drawings and paintings can be seen in the Spencer Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of American Art.
Faculty members and administrators expressed their appreciation for Thompson's accomplishments.
"I am personally saddened that he is stepping down," said Steve Anderson, chairman of the music and dance department.
Anderson said that improvements in the school's curriculum and technology during Thompson's tenure were as important as the high-profile projects.
He praised Thompson's commitment to innovation and willingness to let ideas and projects develop.
"He has encouraged us to do what needs to be done." Anderson said.
Judy McCrea, chairwoman of the art department, said that Thompson had an unparalleled interest in and understanding of the arts.
Thompson also possesses a sense of balance and fairness in helping students, she said.
Provest David Shulenburger said Thompson had done a wonderful job.
Shulenburger is organizing the search committee for the new dean. He has written letters to faculty and staff asking for nominations for the committee. He said he planned to write student organizations, too.
"He's been an extremely innovative dean," Shulenburger said. "He's loved by the faculty in that school."
Farm residents flee a twister in John Steuart
Curry's "Tornado." The painting is one of 50 works on display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art through Jan.
3. Contributed photo.
KC art museum unveils tornado, farm paintings
By Augustus Anthony Piazza
Kansan staff writer
For the first time in 25 years, the work of one of Kansas 'most famous artists will be on display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo.
The museum will display 50 works by John Stewart Curry, including paintings, drawings, water colors and prints. Curry distinguished himself in the 1930s for his images of Midwestern rural life.
He also is known for the mural paintings in the Capitol Building in Topeka. The Curry Room in the Kansas Union is named after him.
The show is divided into thematic sections, beginning with "Curry and
Some of the art includes "Tornado," a depiction of a Kansas cyclone threatening a family farm, and "John Brown," an oil and tempera painting of the abolitionist standing in front of a tornado.
The exhibition first opened last spring at the Elvehjem Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It then traveled to San Francisco's Fine Arts Museum this summer. The Nelson-Atkins showing will be the tour's last stop.
"It's a chance to look at an artist who painted Kansas," said Margaret Keough, public information associate for the museum. "It's nice to bring this artist's work back to where he painted."
The exhibition, "John Stewart Curry: Inventing the Middle West," started yesterday and will run through Jan. 3.
Kansas", an exploration of the cultural influences of Curry's childhood on his art.
"Curry and Life in Depression-era America" examines three themes of Curry's art: religion, man versus nature, and society's outcasts.
"Curry and History" brings together several of the artist's mural studies for the Justice Department building in Washington, D.C.
Other sections include "Curry and the Topea Murals," "Curry and the University of Wisconsin" and "Fulfillment and Disappointment, 1938-46."
There also is a series of events planned for the next three months, and a University of Kansas professor will participate in one.
Charles Eldredge, professor of American art and former director of the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution, is scheduled to speak on Nov. 7 at the Atkins Auditorium.
Keough said that Eldredge was chosen because he was a great scholar of American art.
Today in UDKi
To see more of Curry's work, including part of a collection from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, view the slide show at:
http://www.kansan.com
Writing Consulting: Student Resources 864-2399
Writer's Roosts Open TODAY
There once was a KU student named Lee; Taking English, math, anthro, and chemistry... Writing assignments never seemed "dream"; Taking writing and re-writing into the night! But a visit to Writer's Roost was a boost—and that is the truth—now Lee's writing goes much more smoothly!
Six convenient locations near you will open October 12: Burge Union, Kansas Union, Multicultural Resource Center, Strong, Templin, and Wescoe. Check our website for schedules:
www.ukans.edu/~writing
An ad in the Kansan is the best way to deliver your message to KU students
DO YOU WANT TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL?
WHEN?: October 13
WHEN?: October 15 WHERE?: Kansas Union Ballroom WHAT TIME?: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. WHAT SCHOOLS WILL BE THERE?: Over 20 excellent schools from across the country
1:00 p.m.--Law School Admissions (Union Parlors)
WHAT ELSE?: Sit in on two forums given by Law School Admissions Counselors 10:00 a.m.--Financial Aid and Scholarship (Jayhawk Room)
We carry officially licensed KU gifts & clothing,and are the official bookstores of the University of Kansas!
Kansas Union, Level 2,864-4640 Burge Union, Level 2,864-5697
is hosting a
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SCHOOL OF LAW
Minority Law Day
Saturday, October 17, 1998
Green Hall, Room 107 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
The program will include information on:
*LSAT Infrmation
*Admission Procedures
*Career Information
*Financial Aid Information
*A Mock Law School Class
*Student Life
*Tours of the Law School
For more information, please contact the Law School Admissions Office at (785) 864-4378
Casual dress is appropriate Lunch will be provided