By Teri Maddox, Belleville News-Democrat, Ill.
Aug. 7–Dan Anderson is at it again.
The man who created an art exhibit out of 300 coffee cups last fall is inviting the public to see 400 faces.
His new show at Edwardsville Arts Center consists of 400 photographic portraits of people who live and work in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon.
“There’s no common denominator,” said Anderson, a retired art professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and president of the center’s board.
“But they’re all part of the fabric of our community. There are politicians, farmers, mechanics, teachers, kids and store owners. And, of course, every town has its characters.”
Edwardsville goodwill ambassador Marvin “Preach” Webb will be represented in the exhibit, as well as folks you see in restaurants and grocery stores but don’t know by name.
“Faces: Portraits of the Community” runs through Sept. 21. A Sneak Peek fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday will be followed by an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m.
Anderson recruited about 20 amateur and professional photographers to shoot the portraits, reflecting their own styles and viewpoints.
One is Madison County State’s Attorney Bill Mudge.
“(He) is a hell of a photographer,” Anderson said. “Not many people know that. His occupation is state’s attorney. His avocation is photography.”
Another exhibitor is Edwardsville police Lt. Scott Evers, who has a part-time photography business.
He specializes in nature and wildlife themes and rural and urban landscapes, which don’t involve asking people to pose for the camera.
“I’d rather go to the dentist and have my teeth drilled without Novocain than (shoot portraits),” Evers said. “But I did it because I wanted to help Dan, and I think it’s going to be a really neat show.”
Several of Evers’ subjects are city employees. He caught up with Mayor Gary Niebur outside the Edwardsville YMCA Esic Center, where he serves as executive director.
Evers also captured the image of Fire Chief Brian Wilson.
“I had him lean against a fire truck, and his uniform is reflected in the truck,” he said. “It’s just a quick, casual shot, but I like the way it looks.”
Anderson is a ceramic artist, but he enjoys photography, so he contributed 40 portraits to the exhibit.
One of his favorite subjects is Jerry Legow, owner of Imber’s Men’s Wear.
Legow has become a community icon because of his 58 years in business and his role as Edwardsville Halloween Parade announcer.
The photo shows him looking in a three-way mirror, which reflects neatly organized clothing racks and wooden shelves.
“He personifies our Main Street,” Anderson said. “His dedication and passion are unsurpassed.”
Anderson also shot Mike Campbell, Edwardsville Township supervisor and farmer; Charlie Cox and Sam Smith, legendary SIUE photographer and news director, now retired; Joe Rios, a landscaper commonly seen riding around town on his bike or pushing his son in a stroller; Bob Grinstead, a gardener who sells lotus blossoms at the Land of Goshen Community Market; and Tom Pile, former Edwardsville High School history teacher and baseball coach.
Customers of Sacred Grounds coffee house will recognize owner Jennifer Courtney, standing at the stove in her ponytail and green apron.
“As far as I’m concerned, Jennifer is single-handedly responsible for generating the new activity on North Main Street,” Anderson said. “She brought it back to life.”
The idea for “Faces: Portraits of the Community” came from former Edwardsville Arts Center board member Julie Bond, who saw it as a way to get more local residents involved.
The opening will include a wine tasting by Mary Michelle Winery in Carrollton. It’s free and open to the public.
Admission to the Sneak Peak fundraiser is $35. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Hors d’oeuvres will be served by Amy Zipanci, who is preparing to open Fond in October.
The new restaurant will occupy a storefront in the historic Bohm Building. Its seasonal, American menu will emphasize fresh ingredients and locally produced meat, poultry, eggs and produce.
On Friday, Zipanci will serve chickpea crackers with humus and chermoula, gruyere and proscuitto with pickled pepper relish and lemon and rosemary shortbread.
“The exhibit is a real local exhibit with all the faces, and hopefully (the restaurant) will become a face in the community,” she said. “It’s like my debut.”
Edwardsville Arts Center is at 310 Hillsboro Ave. Photographs will be available for purchase. For more information, call 655-0337 or visit the Web site at www.edwardsvilleartscenter.org.
Contact reporter Teri Maddox at [email protected] or 345-7822, ext. 26.
‘Faces: Portraits of the Community’
Where: Edwardsville Arts Center, 310 Hillsboro Ave.
When: Friday through Sept. 21.
Regular hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Opening reception: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday; free.
Preview fundraiser: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday; $35.
Information: Call 655-0337 or visit the Web site at www.edwardsvilleartscenter.org.
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