Gallery Exhibit Honors the Memory of Art Teacher Marsha Brasel DeWilde
McKendree Alumna Taught in Taylorville for Many Years
Lebanon, Ill. — An exhibit and reception at the McKendree University Gallery of Art
in Lebanon will honor the late Marsha (Brasel) DeWilde, her lifelong commitment to
education and appreciation of all forms of art.
Mrs. DeWilde grew up in Effingham and lived with her husband Jim in Taylorville, where
she taught art at the junior high school for many years before her passing on Oct.
8, 2012. For more than 30 years she was a teacher in the central Illinois school districts
of Taylorville, Morrisonville and Mount Auburn. She was a member of the First United
Methodist Church of Taylorville, the National Education Association and the Illinois
Art Educators Association.
She trained and nurtured her passion for art at McKendree, majoring in art education
and graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. On campus, she was active
in the social sorority Clio (Kappa Lambda Iota), a connection she maintained throughout
the years.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to share her work with the McKendree community,”
said Mrs. DeWilde’s brother, Jeff Brasel of Edwardsville, an accounting and finance
instructor at the university.
The McKendree Gallery of Art has been made possible in part by the generosity of Mrs.
DeWilde’s family and friends, who wish to remember her impact on their lives and those
of her students. Located at 224 St. Louis St. in downtown Lebanon, it is operated
by the university’s art department to showcase the work of current and former students
and local artists.
An opening reception for the exhibit of Mrs. DeWilde’s paintings, watercolors and
drawings will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Her work will remain
on display through April 26.
“I found her work most interesting,” said David Ottinger, art professor at McKendree
University. “She exhibited a great sensitivity to the application of color, texture
and light. Her ability to capture a loving moment and the gentleness of a serene moment
in the landscape or on the beach is beautiful. I feel McKendree is very lucky to be
able to exhibit the work and proud to call her a graduate.”
One painting will remain on permanent display. Proceeds from the sale of prints will
benefit the McKendree University Art Department.
-McK-
