LISA NELSON RAABE

Three beloved teachers have been recently acknowledged in central Illinois. Two Illinois State University professors, Harold Boyd and Harold Gregor, in Bloomington-Normal; and in Peoria, Bradley’s Ken Hoffman. Although each of these artists are long retired, their influence is still actively present. Bringing similar and yet quite different approaches to their own work, they continue to inspire students and colleagues.

In early July, the McLean County Art Center, hosted “Harold Boyd: Unforgotten” highlighting his large paintings from 1956-2017, and a sale of his extensive works to support his care in an Alzheimer’s unit continues via Beluga Press. Boyd (above), who taught both printmaking and drawing, retired in 2000. He was diagnosed with the condition nearly 10 years ago, but has recently declined. Although his early prints and drawings were abstract, the body of his work is figurative. There is a poignancy to his art, autobiographically tracing human interaction and the frailty of body, heart and mind. As Boyd explored his personal relationships, he commented broadly about the humanity we share.
His numerous works totaling around a thousand, range from his early abstractions to the figurative work that deftly describes his awareness of his declining condition. Beyond the art exhibit, Rhea Edge is selling his exquisite collection of reasonably priced prints, paintings and drawings to support his care through Beluga Press in Bloomington.

Harold Gregor

“Harold Gregor The Painter’s Pedagogy” was on exhibit throughout the galleries at the McLean County Art Center. Numerous artists influenced by him showcased a wide variety of paintings and sculpture. Gregor (above), who died in 2018, held a Ph.D. in Art History and Painting and had great commercial success with galleries nationally. His wildly colorful and inventive Midwestern landscapes easily captivate one’s imagination. Interviews with his students discuss his guidance, communication skills and knowledge of the gallery system. The exhibit includes familiar names, like Anne Coulter, Doug Johnson, Herb Eaton, and Dan Addington.

Ken Hoffman

“Ken Hoffman 50 years in Peoria” was exhibited at the Riverfront Museum in 2020. We saw a bigger than life butterflies, complete with photos of the artist and his various materials and processes crossing between collage and painting. More recently, the Peoria Art Guild hosted “Ken’s Friends,” an auction of work created by his students and colleagues. Hoffman’s inspiration brought varied artwork to the gallery at the Peoria Art Guild to raise funds for the educational program. His scale, vibrancy and life energy are in each of his works. A man of incurable creativity, Hoffman (above) is currently working on a 22- x 9-foot painting. His immensely scaled works of whimsical animal portraits in suits are instantly joyous and are metamorphic representations of our political, environmental and social concerns.