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Gore Galleries Hosts Kenneth Quinn Exhibit Through Feb. 14


Fans of Mississippi artist Kenneth M. Quinn are in for a real treat on Jan. 14 at the Gore Galleries.

On that Thursday evening, there's a reception for the award-winning Mississippi artist to formally kick off his month-long exhibit.

The two-hour event begins at 6 p.m. The works of the Mississippi College graduate and longtime MC art professor are on display at MC's art gallery at 199 Monroe Street through Feb. 14. The exhibit on the Clinton campus opened earlier this month.

"The show is outstanding and powerful," says Randy Jolly, director of the Gore Galleries.

The name of the Quinn show is quite fitting. "Bless this House, Oh Lord: Mississippi College Home Away from Home." And the exhibit ends on a fitting note - on Valentine's Day for the wonderful artist with a big heart for his alma mater, Mississippi College.

The mighty Jackson artist's 40-piece show will feature many of the Christian university's landmark buildings he's painted over the years. He specializes in watercolor. His art work of Nelson Hall, the bell tower, the A.E. Wood Coliseum,and some of the university's older dorms are part of the new exhibit at the Gore Galleries.

Quinn's painting of 150-year-old Provine Chapel and his portrait of internationally celebrated professor Sam Gore are among the many works of art during his distinguished career. His works have been displayed at exhibits at the Mississippi Governor's Mansion, the Municipal Art Gallery in Jackson, and other spots, including Mississippi College.

"All of these are brand new,'' Quinn said. He did the work over the past two years. "This is my thank-you note'' to MC faculty and staff, he said.

"It is like saying thank you very much to MC for this wonderful tenure,'' Quinn said when reached at his Jackson home Monday.

The art work of the Mississippi College buildings represent part of the thank you note to the people and leadership of the college, Quinn said. "I really appreciate it.''

Quinn grew up in Mississippi's capital city and is a 1957 graduate of Murrah High School. He received his bachelor's degree in art from MC in 1961. The beloved educator earned a master of education in art degree from Illinois State University in 1964. An art teacher at Whitten Junior High in Jackson for 30 years, Quinn has taught at MC the past 15 years.

In 2006, the Mississippian received the Order of the Golden Arrow Award at MC's Homecoming and in 2004 was named MC's Professor of the Year by the Student Government Association on the Clinton campus. In 2005, he donated the Kenneth M. Quinn Mississippi Regional Art Collection to MC and was featured in "Mississippi Magazine."

Expect MC colleagues and friends like Michael Hataway to be on hand to check out Quinn's exhibit at the Gore Galleries.

"Mr. Quinn's dedication and love for Mississippi College is the result of years of hard work and planning,'' said Hataway, the coordinator of MC's graphic arts program. "The exhibit is a tribute to MC and the many years of success and providing a quality education to thousands of students and spreading the word of Christ.''

The show at Gore Galleries, Hataway added, is Quinn's way of showing his love and respect "for this great institution.''

For more information on the Kenneth Quinn exhibit, contact Randy Jolly at 601.925.7770 or rjolly@mc.edu.