Thank you, Peter: UD MFA Students and Alumni Respond to the Work of Peter Williams
Group Exhibition
May 5 - 29, 2022
OPENING EVENT & ART LOOP FEATURED EXHIBITION:
Friday, May 6, 2022 | 5 - 9 PM during ART LOOP
Brandan Henry
Hey White Boy, 2022
charcoal pastel watercolor on stretched paper
12” x 12”
The Delaware Contemporary honors the life and work of renowned artist and educator, Peter Williams. Peter Williams was a longtime professor of painting at The University of Delaware. Williams’ work explored issues of African American experience and identity. His work is in permanent collections such as that of the Whitney Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Delaware Art Museum, and Howard University. His presence is felt in the many ways he continues to inspire the University of Delaware community.
Peter Williams had a passion for and depth of knowledge about color, which translated to the warm way he advised students. He pushed his students to practice their craft, as remembered by alumni Sam Whalen, who while reflecting on working with Williams stated, “Peter’s memory, for me, lives on in swirls of bright colors, politically charged t-shirts, sentimental enamel pins, tongue-in-cheek Americana imagery, the word ‘fabulous’, and whenever I hear a belly laugh. The next time I am relaxing, I am sure his voice will pop into my head, reminding me to ‘get back to work!”
To all that knew him, Peter Williams was a devoted teacher, influential mentor, and visionary artist.
Contributing Artists:
Jason F. Austin, Carlisle Bell, Abby Daleki, Daniel Dias, Francine Fox, Michael Kalmbach, Nick King, Conor Longo, Brandan Henry, Jeanine Hill, Marian Howard, Celeste Morton, Janell Olah, Nick Petrow, Shushana Rucker, Lauren Vanni, Anthony Vega, Bryan Warner, Sam Whalen, Jeremy Wineberg, and Jacqueline Yvonne.
DuPont I & II Galleries
