Art on the spot: Retired museum founder James Parker continues to support local art community, students

James Parker was put on the spot when his neighbor and friend, Dr. Kenn Stilson, announced there had been a scholarship established in Parker's name to benefit theater and dance students at Southeast Missouri State University.

"I'm way back sitting with friends," he says. "I thanked them, of course, but it took me by surprise."

The Cape Girardeau artist -- who turns 90 at the end of June -- has been donating his time and talents to help students at Southeast for years, but now he's enjoying a bit more recognition.

"I've been donating artwork [to be sold to benefit arts programs] for the past five years or so," he says. "Probably $7,000 worth of artwork."

The funds are used to help provide students with opportunities like the one taken by graduating seniors each spring to New York City to showcase their talents.

James Parker poses with his mixed media stitchery, "Mixed Florals," at his home in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

"They thanked me, saying, 'You've supported us for five years with your artwork,' but it's a good cause," Parker says. "It's not like anyone's twisting my arm or anything."

His generosity has some to do with the way he works, which, being in retirement, is governed mainly by whether he wants to be working or not.

"I can't do things like I used to, of course, but I also don't push myself," he explains.

Parker does watercolor painting, mixed media and stitchery, which are intricate designs stitched in Persian wool on pale Belgian linen. They often take weeks to complete, done entirely at Parker's kitchen table.

"I take my time," he says. "If I get tired, I can just quit and then come back to it."

He's earned the right to take it easy, having founded and directed Southeast's University Museum. He retired 25 years ago this June. Between his childhood in Cape Girardeau and his return to head the museum, he worked as assistant director of the Heard Museum in Phoenix while going to school on his G.I. Bill after serving in Italy during World War II.

"When I left the Heard Museum, I came right back here to start all over again," he jokes. "It was my job to get it started off, and they've done a beautiful job ever since."

A decade of working for the university cultivated in him an appreciation for what he sees as Southeast's remarkable impact on the area's creative culture.

"They do a lot over there [at Southeast's River Campus]," he says. "And they do an excellent job."

"Poppy Pod with Leaf," stitchery by James Parker.

But Parker, too, has left his mark on the local art community. A past recipient of the Otto F. Dingeldein Award, he also designed the mural that now decorates the building downtown where Cup 'N' Cork is located, and designed the logo for the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

His focus now, however, is doing what he likes: making art as he sees fit to benefit the next generation of artists and entertainers.

"That's what it's all about -- the students," he says. "I'll continue to do this as long as I can."