University News
WIU-QC Receives Art Donation from KONE
February 4, 2015
MOLINE, IL - Elevator and escalator manufacturer KONE, recently donated a portion of its historic art collection to Western Illinois University in honor of the recent Quad Cities campus Phase II expansion. Nine pieces of original art, including lithograph prints, original watercolors, oil on canvas, multicolor weaving and clay stoneware, were created by artists with local, regional and national credentials.
Artists include Nina Davidson Arnold, Michael Blaser, Chris Hill, R. Randall Iaccarino, Walt Johnston, Joseph Ramsauer, Margorie Hier and Carol Whitney.
"We appreciate the generosity of KONE in giving art work to Western. We will proudly display these works and celebrate the communities' further endorsement of Western Illinois University in the Quad Cities," Vice President for Quad Cities and Planning Joe Rives said.
The donation benefits WIU-QC students enrolled in the Museum Studies master's degree program by providing an opportunity to learn about collection exhibition and management.
"The Museum Studies program offers students the chance to study at local art galleries and museums. This artwork is an example of the rich, cultural environment present in the Quad Cities," said Pam White, museum studies faculty member. "Having this collection on campus will enhance all of our students' learning experience."
"We are proud and privileged to provide this donation," said Patrick O'Connell, KONE's director of marketing and communications. "It's terrific to see a collection of art used to both educate students and to treat the public."
Western Illinois University-Quad Cities will host a program and reception at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the QC Complex Atrium, where the art will be on display throughout the month of February.
For more information about the donation or reception, contact Carol Marquardsen at (309) 762-9481 or email Ca-Marquardsen@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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