"After 36 years of teaching at Wells College one realizes that the inextricable link and the bond to the institution are deeply rooted in one's core fiber. After all these wonderful years, it cannot and should not be considered a job. It is much more. This bond is, in great part, what has defined me as an artist and as a teacher. Wells College has allowed me and encouraged me to pursue my career as an artist which has enabled me to grow as a teacher. When I leave Wells I'll take with me memories of extraordinary students, committed and learned colleagues, and years of fulfillment having been a part of a great institution."

 
 
William Roberts
 


Artist's Statement

My fascination with birds and horses seems always to have been there; observing birds and horses has always been a wonderful visual experience for me. I like the primeval qualities of both types of animals, but I am also captivated with their forms, colors and movements. I am intrigued by the fact that artists through the ages have focused on these subjects.

I am also equally interested in abstraction as a way of painting. I love the pure sensual qualities of painting materials and that combined with the challenge of making a visual statement with only color, shape and surface texture or surface movement is an exciting proposition for me. I also feel that the best realism in painting is invariably abstractly conceived and constructed.

Education
1968    B.F.A.
Kent State University, Painting & Drawing
1971    M.A. Kent State University, Painting & Drawing

Galleries and Museum Exhibitions
Blossom Music Center, Peninsula, Ohio, Group Show, 1970.
Canton Art Institute, Canton , Ohio , One Person Show. 1970.
Cleveland Museum Traveling Show, Cleveland, Ohio 1971.
FAR Gallery, NYC, Group Shows 1973-75.
Everson Museum, Syracuse, N.Y., One Person Show, 1974.
Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, "37th Mid-Year Show," 1976.
Art & Objects Gallery, Palm Beach, Florida, 1979.
55 Mercer Gallery, NYC, 1980.
Johnson Museum, Cornell, University, Ithaca, N.Y. "Message To The Future," 1991.
Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Two Person Show, 2000.
Delavan Art Gallery, Syracuse, NY, 2004.
Sola Art Gallery, Ithaca, NY, 2004.
Crossgate Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky, 2006.

Courses Taught
Visual Organization
Advertising Design
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing
Beginning , Intermediate and Advanced Painting
Lithography
January at the Art Students League , NYC , 1972-2007


Last updated: 4/24/2007
 
 


Professor of Art

John D. Wilson
Presidential Professor

Director,
String Room Gallery



wroberts@wells.edu
315.364.3237
Campbell Arts Building