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Hennings and GCPA Director Mick Cumbie install artwork.
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Two large paintings by artist Joel Smith have been installed in the mezzanine lobby.
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Artwork Adds Color, History to WIU Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts

September 11, 2026

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MACOMB, IL. — Artwork from Western Illinois University's permanent collection is being featured in two areas of the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts.

Two large abstract paintings by artist Joel Smith have been installed in the mezzanine lobby. The pieces were selected for their large scale and vivid colors, which allow them to stand out in the center's expansive space.

Smith's artwork is also featured in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall, where a piece is displayed in the entryway.

Tyler Hennings, director of the WIU Art Gallery, helped select artwork for the Goldfarb Center this summer.

"The goal is that the art chosen for the building will not just be decorative, but will demand visitors' attention and be remembered," Hennings said.

Additional artwork is planned for the center's reception area, including pieces from WIU's New Deal/WPA collection. The collection is unique and historically important to the state of Illinois.

More pieces from the University's permanent collection may be selected for the building after the remaining finishing work is completed. A call has also been issued to purchase two additional pieces for the middle wall of the mezzanine lobby using remaining funds from the Illinois Art in Architecture program.

The Goldfarb Center for the Performing Arts is scheduled to open in September 2026. The GCPA is a LEED Silver-certified facility, recognizing the building's sustainable design and construction.

For more information or to become a volunteer, visit go.wiu.edu/4z6eN0Y. For more information on the GCPA, visit wiu.edu/gcpa. To stay up to date on performances, follow the center's Facebook page at facebook.com/wiugoldfarbcenter.

To purchase single tickets for upcoming shows, visit westernpresents.app.getcuebox.com/o/JYRX8V08/shows.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing