The
History of the Art Gallery Building
This display of photographs
celebrates the Western Illinois University Centennial, with
particular focus on the people and buildings associated with
the Art Gallery and the Department of Art in the early years.
Also included are related subjects of the Power Station, the
Academy, and other aspects of the University, all inseparably
intertwined with the changes that have occured over the years.
The
Present University Art Gallery is housed in what may be considered
the oldest building on campus. It is difficult to place a name
on this building because it has served so many functions. Originally
the Heating Plant/Power Station (1902-1927), the building housed
coal-fired boilers and generators to provide steam heat and
electricity for "Old Main" now known as "Sherman
Hall", the only other building on campus. It later served
as the "Western Academy" (1927-37). The Academy Building
later served as the "Music Building". A variety of
offices and departments also occupied the space over the years:
College of Education and Education Department (1937-late 50's),
(Some returning alumni from the 1940's who worked on The
Western Courier have remembered and referred to the building
as "The Journalism Building"); Public Safety (1960's-early
70's); Alumni Affairs, Placement Bureau, and Academic Services
(1970's), including Publications, University Relations, and
Extension (Continuing Education) offices.
Now,
for more than two decades the building has been utilized as
the University Art Gallery (1980-present).
In
1990 the present Art Gallery building was placed under the protection
of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency as authorized by
the Illinois State Agency Historic Resources Preservation Act.
In 1998, along with Sherman Hall and Garwood Hall, the building
earned the distinction of being placed on the National Register
of Historic Places.
We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals
and departments who have provided assistance with this display:
Marla Visdal and Sally McPherson, University Archives, University
Library and Larry Dean, Linden Baker, Matthew Ensenberger, and
the staff at WIU's Visual Production Center for help with locating
and reproducing the photographs.
