News Summary
Florida Gulf Coast University has been gifted a collection of original works from cartoonist Doug MacGregor. This donation aims to inspire students while highlighting the role of art in addressing societal issues. Art major Aileen Salas reflects on how MacGregor’s editorial cartoons from past events resonate today. The collection promotes engagement with historical contexts and enhances the educational experience by connecting students with primary sources, ultimately fostering creativity and storytelling techniques in art.
FORT MYERS, FL
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has received a generous donation from renowned cartoonist Doug MacGregor, who contributed a collection of his original works in 2022. This collection aims to inspire a new generation of artists and give them insight into the role of art in reflecting societal issues.
Aileen Salas, an art major and native of Naples, Florida, came across MacGregor’s collection while working on a class project during the spring semester. Since the age of eight, Salas has had a passion for creating and reading cartoons, and she found that MacGregor’s artwork triggered a sense of nostalgia. The collection features his editorial cartoons, which address a wide range of topics including local and national politics, natural disasters, and the everyday life of Floridians.
Among the many pieces in the collection, Salas found particular resonance with a series of cartoons from the 2004 hurricane season. She noted that the themes discussed in these works remain relevant even 20 years later, demonstrating the timeless nature of certain issues depicted in art. This encounter opened Salas’s eyes to how contemporary artists can leverage their skills in unique and unexpected ways, moving beyond traditional artistic approaches found in textbooks.
The discovery of MacGregor’s works came as part of the “History of Photography” course taught by assistant professor Hannah Harley. Harley’s goal is to expose her students to various artistic mediums, including items such as silver gelatin prints and cyanotypes, far beyond the confines of the digital age. Collaboration between the University Archives staff and Harley aims to engage students in creative projects by utilizing collections like MacGregor’s.
Victoria Jones, the university archivist, emphasized that MacGregor’s cartoons capture significant moments in the history of Southwest Florida, making them relatable for students today. Emily Murray, the archives coordinator, added that these cartoons serve as a unique means for students to interact with primary sources and gain insights into shifts in public sentiment over time.
As Salas delved deeper into the MacGregor collection, her enthusiasm led to many questions, ultimately resulting in an opportunity to meet the artist himself. MacGregor expressed interest in seeing his work utilized effectively by the students, furthering the collaborative spirit that FGCU fosters.
For her project titled “Time After Tide,” Salas created hand-drawn and painted cartoons that reflect her experiences as an FGCU student. The title of her project cleverly combines elements from the phrases “time and tide wait for no man” and “time after time,” underscoring the rapid pace of student life and shared experiences among peers.
Throughout her engagement with MacGregor’s work, Salas learned valuable techniques in storytelling and artistry, which notably influenced her approach to cartooning and creativity. The Doug MacGregor collection at FGCU has become a vital resource for students, illustrating the significance of regional history through artistic expression.
This initiative exemplifies FGCU’s dedication to community involvement and experiential learning, highlighting the enriching potential of connecting students with historical and artistic resources.
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- Gulf Shore Business: Leoma Lovegrove Dies at 72
- Wikipedia: Leoma Lovegrove
