Illustration versus art

To the editor:

Illustration is the most accepted style of art in Southeast Missouri. It is easy to understand because of the realistic style. There is great appreciation for the skilled attention to detail.

The most popular artist-illustrator from this area is Jake Wells. Jake called himself an illustrator, not an artist. He said that he had tried other styles but was not successful. He is known for his mill and country scenes. His mill scenes can be found at the Southeast Missouri University Museum. He has a mural at Kent Library and on the wall west of the federal building in Cape Girardeau.

Gary Lucy is now a historical illustrator. Half of his early professional life was dedicated to wildlife with detailed renderings. He won awards in two Duck Stamp competitions. Next he turned his interest to inland waterways. In 1993, Gary received recognition of accomplishments in the field of art from Southeast Missouri University. In 2004, he was presented with an alumni award from the university. That same year he was commissioned to complete a mural for the River Campus.

Al Agnew is a wildlife illustrator. Since 1993 his work has been available in edition prints and licensed in 30 countries to reproduce his work on sportswear, throws, plates, and other products.

The work of these three men is very recognizable and enjoyed. They all have ties to Southeast Missouri.

I think it would be more appropriate to view the proposed Gary Lucy steamboat race mural in a setting such as a history or transportation museum than in the entrance to the River Campus' school of visual and performing arts. Too much attention in the mural is devoted to the history of boats rather than the arts. The main focus should be on the arts. I'm glad the mural is being painted on canvas and can be moved.

JAN CHAMBERLAIN, artist, photographer, and educator

Cape Girardeau