FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UIS alumni society and ISHS
co-sponsor lunch and learn series
Date: August 1, 2009
Contact: Mary Caroline Mitchell, 217-206-7395
William Furry, 217-525-2781
SPRINGFIELD – “Central Illinois: Patchwork of Creative Minds”, a thought
provoking three session educational series examining creative expression that
has flourished in the heartland of Illinois, will begin in September at the
University of Illinois Springfield. Sponsors are the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and
the Illinois State Historical Society. Each session will include presentations
by two experts. UIS Faculty Emeritus, Dr. Larry Shiner and UIS Alumnus William
Furry, director of the Illinois State Historical Society, will moderate the
series. Each session will include presentations by two experts. A hot buffet
luncheon is available at 11:30 a.m. The presentations are from 12 noon – 1:30
p.m. There is a charge for lunch but the presentations are free and open to the
public. The luncheon and presentations will be held in the University of
Illinois Springfield Public Affairs Center (PAC) Conference Rooms C/D (level
below the Sangamon Auditorium lobby).
The series will begin on Wednesday, September 16 with the topic “Through the
Lens - Images of Nature and Humanity”. Featured speakers will be Judith Lloyd
Klauba, Associate Curator of Fine Arts, Illinois State Museum, Chicago. Her
presentation, “Photographic Visions: The Frank Sardorus Collection”, will
feature an Illinois farmer's (1880-1930s) innovative photographs of the people
and landscapes he knew intimately. Dr. Michael Jeffords, entomologist,
photographer and Public Relations/Educator for the Illinois Natural History
Survey will provide a whirlwind tour of the arthropod/insect fauna in a
presentation entitled, “A Close Look at the Insects of Central Illinois”.
On Wednesday, October 21 the topic will be “Springfield Public Garden Design:
Historic and Modern”. Terri Cameron, Master Gardener, historic preservation
advocate and retired director of educational technology, SIU School of Medicine,
will make a presentation entitled “Springfield's Early Park Design and Its
Impact” that will examine Springfield’s early parks through archival photos,
publications and Springfield Park District minutes. Diane Mathis, Director of
Marketing and Development for the Springfield Park District, will speak on
“Innovative Park Design”. She will preview Southwind – Springfield’s new
universally accessible and environmentally friendly park.
The session on Wednesday, November 18 will focus on “Creative Images: Canvas and
Glass”. Local architect and stained glass restoration expert, Ralls Melotte,
Principal, Mellote Morse Leonatti Parker Ltd., will make a presentation on the
history and evolution of stained glass in Central Illinois. “Painters from the
Heart of Lincolnland" is the topic to be addressed by Robert Sill, Curator and
Assistant Director of Art for the Illinois State Museum, Springfield. Selected
paintings from regional artists will be displayed and discussed.
Paid reservations are required for the luncheon at least one week before each
session. The cost is $20 per person for lunch and the presentations or $50 per
person for three lunches and the presentations if paid reservations are received
by September 9, 2009. Pre-registration is also requested from those not
purchasing the lunch who wish to attend the presentations. To register or for
more information, visit www.uiaa.org/uis,
or contact the Office of UIS Alumni Relations at 217/206-7395 or alumni @uis.edu.
xxx
For More Information Contact:
Illinois State Historical Society
P O Box 1800, Springfield, IL 62705-1800
Tel:
217-525-2781
FAX:
217-525-2783
Internet:
wfurry@historyillinois.org
