For art's sake

The last word that would ever be used to describe Max Cordonnier's art is "conventional."

For several years the retired literature professor created images using computers that combined the wonders of the cosmos with figures from art, literature and history to make a style that was all his own.

His work ranged from a computer-distorted portrait of the Mona Lisa -- with dangling hoop earrings and bright red lipstick -- to an "American Gothic" in negative with nebulae floating above the heads of the farm couple.

But Cordonnier's art wasn't the only unconventional thing about the man. Those who knew him said he was a tireless volunteer who always exuded the most extreme kindness to his fellow man.

Cordonnier died suddenly last month, taking his own life after a long bout with illness.

It may seem cliched to some, even exploitative, to have a show of Cordonnier's work now. But that's not the case for those who knew him.

On the wishes of his family -- likely the wishes the man himself would have expressed -- dozens of his pieces are being auctioned at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri tonight to benefit the organization he put tireless hours of volunteer work into, the Visual Arts Cooperative.

The show, say his friends in the art world, isn't just about Cordonnier's art -- it's but about his commitment to the organization he loved.

"A lot more energy was put into this for him than for other shows because he gave so much for us," said Craig Thomas of the cooperative, who met Cordonnier about six years ago. "We're all supposed to give time and energy, but he definitely gave more than most. Me and a few others are feeling the extra weight that was put on us because of that."

Max Cordonnier put an image of himself into one of his pieces of art. His artwork is up for auction today, and the proceeds will benefit the Visual Arts Cooperative. (Provided image)

Cordonnier's absence has left a hole in the Arts Council. The retired professor helped hang cooperative shows and managed the group's Web site for years.

He was always there when he was needed, Thomas said, and his loyalty was strong.

Cordonnier was a regular at the cooperative's weekly drawing group. Thomas laughs when he remembers one particular session after a 6- to 8-inch snow. Even Thomas, who lives only a few blocks from the Arts Council where the group met, didn't plan to go to the group. But Cordonnier showed up regardless, Thomas later found out. That's how dedicated he was.

His generosity was strong, also.

In 2005 he organized sales of cooperative artists' work to benefit the victims of both the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

And though his art may have seemed strange to some, Dr. Jean Chapman said every piece was entirely thought-provoking.

"I have enjoyed seeing his art ... which was a great intellectual experience with every picture because he had a story and images were very unusual," said Chapman, who helped found the cooperative about six years ago. "I finally got him to have a little story with each picture because people didn't understand what he was doing. If you actually understood what he was doing, it was a lesson to see these images."

New Arts Council director Delilah Tayloe remembers the first time she saw Cordonnier's art and the inspiration it gave her.

"It was about 10 years ago, he had a show in Kent Library. He had a piece that so stunned and thrilled me I went home and immediately painted a response," said Tayloe. "I've never done that before or since."

But Tayloe said Cordonnier was also modest. "He was always concerned with people's response to his work," she said.

Now that work takes up a large part of the Arts Council galleries, vying for space with the 72-piece Girardot National Juried Multimedia Exhibition -- one of the Arts Council's biggest shows of the year. Tayloe said the gallery has never been more full of art.

For sure the gallery has never been so full of Cordonnier's art, with pieces for sale ranging from tiny framed works to large poster-size art.

In a corner near the front door, one of those works hangs -- an image of the artist himself embedded near the bottom with his computer signature, "Max," nearby. The image creates a ghostly impression today, one that it likely wasn't meant to convey in real life.

The artist will be watching as Cape Girardeau's art lovers pour into the Arts Council galleries tonight, some of whom will walk away with his work.

All the attention may have made Cordonnier uncomfortable if he could see it, but friends say he would have wanted nothing more than to help the group he loved so much.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

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Other First Friday openings

Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, 32 N. Main St.

The Arts Council of will host the works of artists from around the country with the Girardot National Juried Multimedia Exhibition -- a selection of work in various styles and media. The exhibition is a result of a contest open to artists around the country hosted by the Arts Council. An opening reception will be held today from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 334-9233.

Fountain Street Gallery, 34 N. Fountain St.

The Fountain Street Gallery will feature work by new member Rochelle Steffen along with the work of current gallery members from 6 to 9 tonight. The gallery will also open its new Sculpture Garden located behind the gallery.

Edward Bernard Gallery, 107 West Drive

The Edward Bernard Gallery will host a First Friday reception from 5 to 9 p.m. with new glass art from the Schlanser Design Studio in Pasadena, Calif., Ron Jones of Jones Glasswork in Seattle and Mark Hines of Hines Design Studio in Phoenix. A musical performance will be provided by Bekah Pfanstiel. For more information, call 332-7733.

Jars of Clay Pottery Studio, 823 Broadway

The Jars of Clay Pottery Studio will play host to the River's Edge Pottery Guild, who will demonstrate pottery throwing and sell their work, some to benefit the local Humane Society, from noon to 9 p.m. Potters will also demonstrate pit-fired pottery. For more information, call 332-8408.

Gallery 1.2.5, 125 Main St.

Gallery 1.2.5 will host a First Friday reception from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring a trunk show of original oil paintings from around the United States. For more information, call 335-2699.

The Artist Studio, 38A N. Main St.

The Artist Studio will host a First Friday reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. featuring watercolors created in a late June workshop and will take sign-ups for a workshop next week on weaving. For more information, call 651-4464.