FORMER ART STUDENT HONORED WITH RECEPTION

The works of Jake Wells joined his legend Sunday in the Southeast Missouri State University Museum.

"Everybody has a Jake Wells story," said Dr. Jenny Strayer, museum director. "That's one of the reasons that the work is so important to us. But it's just one reason, the work stands on its own as well."

The museum received 14 of Wells' pencil drawings from Dr. George Suggs. Many of the drawings will be added to 29 of Wells' water colors in a permanent display in the museum's main room.

Strayer said Wells' technical skills are unmatched by any other area artist. "He does have that ability to evoke a really special atmosphere that makes you want to be there," she said.

The works are part of a collection from a book called "Water Mills of the Missouri Ozarks," published in 1990. Suggs wrote the text with Wells' illustrations.

Wells, former Southeast art department chair, student and professor, gave Suggs the illustrations "and then I forgot about them. I applaud George's generosity."

Wells said he's glad the works made it to Southeast's museum. "I have quite an association with the place," he said. "It's like family."

At a reception Sunday that was attended by about 65 people, Suggs said he donated the drawings because he felt all the mill illustrations should be together.

"My wife and I had intended to frame these and give them to our children," Suggs said. "But we came to the conclusion that these properly belonged at the museum."

Suggs traveled extensively with Wells while putting the book together. "I got to spend a lot of time with Jake in the cab of a pickup truck."

"Jake is a remarkable Missourian, he's a regional asset and we should all be very proud of this individual," Suggs said.

Wells' works are a part of a series of gifts the museum has received recently -- so many that the museum is running out of room.

Southeast President Dale Nitzschke, who attended the reception, said it is a long-term hope of the university to add to the museum.

"We do not have the capacity that we need to truly reflect the holdings of the museum," Nitzschke said. "The museum has the potential to grow substantially."

Nitzschke said there are no plans in the works yet, "we're just thinking about it, but there's no doubt that we're running out of time."

Nitzschke said the addition of Wells' work to the museum is special because of the legacy it brings with it. "Professor Wells represents generations of followers that have benefited from his work.

"Now, for posterity, they're going to be able to have it here for people to see."