The Marietta College Art Department’s newest exhibition will showcase the work of William Gerhold, a nature lover, and former Marietta professor.
“Nature, Landscape, and Essence: Selected Artwork by William Gerhold,” will open in Gallery 310 on Friday, October 20th with an opening reception and music by Sadie Johnson ’19 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and a gallery talk at 5:00 p.m. The exhibition will run through Saturday, December 2nd.
Co-curated by alumni Debbie Gerhold Shively ’80 and Dan Foraker ’73, the exhibition is a survey of Gerhold’s work from several areas of the country, including landscapes from many of his favorite on-location painting sites.
Gerhold retired from the Art Department at Marietta College in 1994, where he had served as Professor and Chair since 1968. As well as serving on various athletic and academic committees, Gerhold was also a very popular professor, leading many on-site painting trips to Canaan Valley, West Virginia, over summer breaks.
Such trips were unique experiences for participating students, offering chances to immerse themselves in their subject and grow as artists.
“Everyone would paint all day, eat dinner, and critique in the evening,” said Jolene Powell, Gallery 310 Director and McCoy Professor of Art. “This was evidently, understandably, very popular. Having such an intensive program really bonded the faculty and students and yielded outstanding work. I’ve had the opportunity to see some of the student’s work, and it was wonderful.”
Gerhold also explored and shared his passion for the environment on campus by teaching a discipline-spanning environmental awareness course called “The Bad and Beautiful, Environment, Earth,” in his last years at Marietta.
After his retirement, Gerhold painted and enjoyed life until a 1996 debilitating stroke took his ability to speak and move independently. He passed away in 2011.
Powell believes Gerhold’s investment in the Art Department and students at Marietta College as well as the local community he called home for so many years will draw many people to the exhibition. For those that may not have known Gerhold or been aware of his legacy, Powell is confident that anyone who considers themselves an art or nature lover will be captivated by the exhibition.
Gallery 310 at Marietta College aims to present diverse and stimulating exhibitions, which will enrich the artistic culture and education of the campus, community, and region. Gallery 310 supports teaching, learning, and exploration in the liberal arts through rotating exhibitions and related programs. Gallery 310 is a place for intellectual curiosity, shared programming with the greater campus community, and a teaching space for students looking to enhance their experience for future careers in gallery and museum-related fields.
Gallery 310 is located on the third floor of the Hermann Fine Arts Center, on the Marietta College campus. The exhibition, opening reception, and talk are all free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday, or by appointment at gallery310@marietta.edu. Gallery 310 observes all college holidays and breaks.