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Former faculty member Ercell Lynn returns with
photography exhibit
The intriguing abstract photography creations of Ercell Lynn, who taught religion and philosophy at Manchester College, are on
display through February in the Link Gallery and lobby of Wine Recital
Hall at the College.
His exhibit is the third to surround Wine Recital Hall, dedicated in
October on the east edge of the Manchester College campus. The public
is invited to view Ercell Lynn’s works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
and when concerts and other events bring the public to campus. A
reception for the artist is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27.
Ercell Lynn, entering his 90s, discovered his art skills after his
retirement in 1977, by studying sculpture, oils, silk screening and
drawing at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Recently,
he has developed an interest in abstract color photography, an outgrowth
of making glass paperweights at the Glass by James Michael studio in
Winona, Ind., under the direction of internationally known glass artist
James Michael Kahle.
Lynn
noted the multiple abstract designs in each paperweight and was
motivated to create additional paperweights, using various colors. He
started photographing these designs as well as bowls, vases and
paperweights made by Kahle and staff members.
Lynn
used digital cameras, enhancing his photos on the computer for their
lighting, for example, but not modifying the shape, form or basic color
of the designs. Focusing on the interesting designs and colors of his
original photograph, he enlarged the designs to make the abstracts for
the Manchester College show.
Seven of the abstracts are Giclee (pronounced zhee-CLAY) prints – a
process of printing digitally that renders high quality and color
saturation. Artists use this process to make copies of their original
watercolor and oil paintings.
Lynn and his wife, the former Isabel Beery, taught at Manchester
College in the 1940s and 1950s. Later, he was editor of Christian
Education Publications and director of curriculum development in the
national office of the Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill. He also
has chaired the Chicago supervisory staff of student teachers for
Western Illinois University. He is a native of Marceline, Mo., childhood
home of Walt Disney.
Manchester College offers a
variety of public events during February – and opportunities to view
Ercell Lynn’s photography. In addition to athletics, the pubic is
invited to the Grammy-winning Cajun music of BeauSoleil avec Michael
Doucet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 in Cordier Auditorium; a 7:30
p.m. lecture on Monday, Feb. 21 by John Prendergast, director of the
Africa Program of the International Crisis Group, in Wampler Auditorium;
and a performance of the Vagina Monologues at 8 p.m. on Saturday,
Feb. 26 in Wampler Auditorium. |
