John McNaughton featured in fourth installment of USI Master Teacher Series

The Evansville Museum's fourth installment of the USI Master Teacher Series exhibition opens on Sunday, November 1, and runs through December 13. The fourth exhibition in the series highlights the work of John McNaughton, professor emeritus of art, and five of his former students. Colleagues and students alike describe McNaughton as a thoughtful and caring teacher who has inspired generations of young artists. His passion for USI was expressed daily in his 35 year teaching career as he served at various intervals from 1972 to 1994 as chair of the art department; developed original art curriculum; promoted better facilities; and was key in the expansion of the Art Program

To celebrate the University of Southern Indiana's 50th anniversary, the Evansville Museum organized a yearlong Master Teacher Series featuring the work of five distinguished faculty who have led the University of Southern Indiana's Art Department through the decades. Michael Aakhus, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and professor of art; Lenny Dowhie, professor emeritus of art; Katie Waters, professor of art; John McNaughton, professor emeritus of art; and Joan Kempf deJong, assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts and associate professor of art were asked to invite former students to join them in exhibiting their work.

 "I could go on and on about the creative faculty; the support of Dr. Jim Blevins, [former] dean of the College of Liberal Arts and President David Rice; our expanding curriculum; and remarkable students, but the best summation relates to a piece of sculpture that hangs in the Rice Library," said McNaughton. "A few months prior to my retirement, I designed and fabricated a piece that says it all. It is titled "The Magic Carpet Ride." My 35 years at the University of Southern Indiana were just that."