Preston Eugene Jackson

This article is about the sculptor. For the American musician, see Preston Jackson.
Preston Eugene Jackson
Born
Decatur, Illinois
Education
  • BFA, Southern Illinois University
  • MFA, University of Illinois
Known for
  • Painter
  • sculptor
  • educator
Notable work
  • Fresh from Julieanne’s Garden
Style
  • Abstract
  • realism
SpouseMelba Jackson
Children2
Parent(s)Shirley and T.J. Jackson
AwardsLincoln Academy of Illinois
1998 Laureate


Preston Eugene Jackson is an American painter, sculptor and educator who has created many public art sculptures in the Central Illinois area.[1][2] He works in metal, both steel and foundry cast metals, and also paints.[3] His paintings and sculptures cover many styles, from abstract to "emotionally charged realism."[4] In 1998 he was named the Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and received the Order of Lincoln Medallion.[5][6] He owns The Raven Gallery, home of the Contemporary Art Center in Peoria, Illinois.

His traveling sculpture exhibit "Fresh from Julieanne’s Garden" features more than 100 unique bronze castings of people of color telling fictionalized stories of their lives from the 17th through 20th centuries.[6] Jackson received a Regional Emmy for hosting "Legacy in Bronze" a television show featuring these sculptures.[7] In 2018 he was voted one of the best Illinois artists of all time as part of The Illinois Top 200 project.[8]

Jackson began his career as a professor of art at Western Illinois University from 1972 to 1989. He later moved to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1989 as a professor of sculpture. He was appointed chair of the Sculpture Department from 1994 through 1996 and is currently a professor emeritus.[1]

  1. ^ a b "Preston Jackson's Biography". The HistoryMakers. 1944-03-01. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  2. ^ "Sculptor: Preston Jackson". Public Art in Chicago. 2012-04-17. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  3. ^ "Preston Jackson Art". Preston Jackson Art. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  4. ^ Volkmann, C.; Volkmann, R. (2008). Springfield's Sculptures, Monuments, and Plaques. Images of America. Arcadia Pub. p. 6. ISBN 978-0-7385-5165-4. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  5. ^ "Sortable Laureates". The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. 2015-08-11. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  6. ^ a b "Slaves share their stories in "Fresh from Julieanne's Garden" exhibit, Jan. 15- March 2". News & Events. 2007-01-12. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  7. ^ Renken, Leslie. "Peoria sculptor Preston Jackson is voted among the best Illinois artists". Journal Star. GateHouse Media. Retrieved 9 July 2019.