The Vernacular Object: An exhibition of collections curated by Peter Spooner

June 2 - July 28, 1992

COLLECTIONS: The Vernacular Object is an exhibition featuring selected collections of common and not-so-common objects owned by Central Illinois residents. Most people collect some type object, a fact discussed by such diverse observers as Sigmund Freud and Erma Bombeck. This exhibition presents a variety of “non-art” collections of objects which have been lovingly amassed by 13 individuals. Presented in an “art context,” the hundreds of items in these collections seem to take on the qualities of aesthetic appearance, design, and meaning normally associated with what we call “art.” In other ways, the objects and collections in the exhibition can also be appreciated for their historical and social significance. At the same time, an exhibition of works from the University’s permanent collection wll be shown during the same time period.

The collectors and their objects in the exhibition are: Leslie Allen, salt and pepper shakers; Rodney Carswell, pencils; Glen Davies, religious artifacts, pillow slips , and lodge items; Evan Evans, mousetraps; Mark Genrich, religious artifacts, and lodge items; Gerry Guthrie, religious artifacts and lodge items; James Huddleston, picture frames; Adrian Marek, purses; Craig McMonigal, religious artifacts, Christmas items, and photographs; Ardie Nowers, wooden molds for picture frames; Michael Sarver, religious artifacts; Brian Simpson, neckies; Bob Steinman and Anne Scott, bakelite and lucite objects; Pat Stevens, religious artifacts and lodge items; Tim Van Laar, original paintings based on collections; and the doll collection from the former University Museum. 

The University’s permanent collection exhibition, which includes 2,200 contemporary artworks, will include pieces by Frank Stella, Mark Tobey, Max Klinger, Karl Schmidt-Rotluff, Georges Rouault, Buzz Spector, Wonsook Kim, Nicholas Africano, Alan Cohen, Richard Cramer, John Himmelfarb, Thorsen Kursel, Donald Lipski, David Moreno, Dennis Oppenheim, Kiki Smith, and others.