By Linda Waggener, assistant director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University 2007 graduate, and Miss Campbellsville University, Lindey Nelson, received a crowd of nearly 50 visitors and viewers at an art reception held in the CU Science Building Feb. 29 where her work was unveiled.
Nelson’s large artwork, titled “Glory: From Creation to Redemption,” measuring 12 feet by 3 feet, is made almost completely of wood from the banks of Green River Lake. The assemblage is influenced by the artwork of Louise Nevelson (1899-1988).
Both the creation of the work and hanging it in a strategic place on campus were in fulfillment of the Jean G. Pennebaker Art Scholarship requirements. Pennebaker’s gifts to the science building also included new seating areas near the artwork to offer comfortable areas for students.
Dr. Glenn McQuaide, associate professor of biology, said, “Both practical and elegant, the furniture compliments the inspiring artwork by Lindey Nelson. Those of us who know Ms. Jean Pennebaker recognize the fact that she works hard to improve the lives of people around her. Her generous donation of seating for the science building is greatly appreciated by students, staff, faculty and administrators.”
Nelson said, “I am deeply grateful to God, to my parents, to friend and helper Richard Fogler, to Miss Jean Pennebaker, provider of the Jean G. Pennebaker art scholarship and personal mentor and friend; to CU art directors Linda Cundiff, professor and chair of the department of art, and Tommy Clark, professor of art; to Dr. Glenn McQuaide who worked on the details and welcomed the piece; and to Renee and the CU grounds crew who hung the piece.”
Cundiff said, “Lindey came to me with a sketch and an idea for a mural with a goal of 3-d using ‘found materials.’ Mr. Clark and I did the paperwork to get her started on the independent art study course which she completed on her own in consultation with me. In 31 years of teaching, I have never seen anything like it in size nor style.”
Pennebaker, who said she never saw it until it was completely finished, was delighted with the work and the message of creation which it conveys.
Nelson’s art work invites touching and is made in such a way as to last. Each piece of driftwood was cleaned and sanded, stained and intricately placed. They were then attached with black wire that was tightened, twisted and secured on the back using silicone.
She said, “Each larger piece represents a wonder in space (a star or galaxy). The smaller background pieces represent space itself. These gradually grow in size to speak to the idea that space is expanding even as God spoke and His Word continues to go out and out and out.”
“The Lord is leading day by day,” Nelson said to many who asked where life has taken her since graduating from CU in December 2007 with a bachelor of science degree in art education degree with a minor in Biblical studies. She is interested in working as a missionary. She is the daughter of Doug and JoJo Nelson, living with them for now in Jacksonville, Ala.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.