Quick Notice Item: U of I Art Exhibit, Alfred Dunn

May 20, 2010

Media Contact: Karen Hunt, University Communications, (208) 885-7251, klhunt@uidaho.edu

Exhibit Showcases Former University of Idaho Art Professor’s Paintings

MOSCOW, Idaho – An exhibit of former art professor Alfred Dunn at the University of Idaho's Prichard Art Gallery will showcase some 200 pieces of artwork he created. The exhibit will run Wednesday, May 26 – Sunday, May 30. A reception will be held on Thursday, May 27, from 5-8 p.m.

“The gallery is excited by this opportunity to bring a sizable collection of Alf’s work back to the community," said Roger Rowley, director of the gallery. "His painting of the Camperdown Elms and Administration building continues to be one of the iconic images defining the image of the university. It’s also great that the community has a chance to add to their collection.”

Dunn attended the University of Idaho to study art during the Great Depression. He took up oil painting, only to give it up after discovering watercolors. After graduation, he worked as art director for Acme Press in Seattle, Wash., before moving back to Moscow to work for the University of Idaho.

During this time, he never gave up painting and soon, became well-known around the country. He began selling his paintings in Seattle to Ford Times and other publications. His work appeared with articles written by well-known western writers, such as Nard Jones and William O. Douglas.

Dunn continued to paint until his death on April 19, 2002. Dunn’s son, Jim, has pulled together a collection of Alf’s paintings, which span a period from the 1920s to 2002.

The exhibit will feature many pieces he created while living on the Palouse. Dunn’s artwork will be available for purchase, allowing many people who knew Dunn’s work a chance to own a piece of original artwork.

The Prichard Art Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Gallery is closed Monday. The gallery, an outreach facility of the University of Idaho, is located at 414/416 S. Main St. on the corner of Fifth and Main streets in downtown Moscow. Admission is free. Additional information is available at www.uidaho.edu/galleries