September 10, 2009 – Our Town – OWU

Artist Marilyn Meek Webster ’63 is also the author of ‘The Feel Good Guide to Girlfriends’ Golf’—which, like her art, takes a whimsical look at the topic.		In 1974, Marilyn started creating ‘decorator paintings’ for friends, ‘my motivation came from helping a friend solve an artistic problem—and I didn’t intend for it to be serious,’ she says
Photos courtesy of Marilyn Meek Webster ’63

Distinguished OWU Alumnae Exhibit Artworks
Works of Marilyn Meek Webster ’63, Barbara Timmons ’54 to be displayed

Each year a “Distinguished Alumni Exhibitor” is selected by the board of advisors of the Richard M. Ross Art Museum from a highly selective and competitive pool of talented artists who are Ohio Wesleyan graduates. Being selected to display works on campus and serve as a role model for students is the highest honor awarded to OWU Fine Arts graduates like Marilyn Meek Webster ’63 and Barbara (Wiltshire) Timmons ’54.

Marilyn Meek Webster ’63 has been designated the 2009-2010 Distinguished Alumni Exhibitor by the National Board of Advisors for the Richard M. Ross Art Museum. The exhibit “Painted to Please,” which includes whimsical paintings, drawings and painted objects, will be featured in the Ross Art Museum from Sept. 30 through Nov. 15.

“I think that art is life – but you have to have fun with it,” says Webster. Although her painted objects have included items such as glassware, floor cloths, and murals, “I have even painted brooms and toilet plungers,” she says.

A resident of the Chicago, Illinois, area, Marilyn serves on the National Board of Advisors for the museum. A number of her relatives have graduated from Ohio Wesleyan, including her brother Phil Meek ’59, who is a university trustee and also benefactor for the Meek Aquatic and Recreation Center.

Barbara Timmons ’54 says her work is mostly autobiographical and represents a response to visual and emotional experiences that have had an impact on her life.		‘Landscape Fantasy’ by Barbara Timmons.
Photo by Frank Timmons ’52		Photo courtesy of Barbara Timmons ’54

Starting September 14, digitally influenced paintings by Barbara (Wiltshire) Timmons ’54 will be on display in The OWU Alumni Gallery in Mowry Alumni Center, 16 Rowland Ave. Her exhibit titled “Places Remembered and Dreamt” will feature oil and acrylic paintings based on a compilation of digitally photographed images.

“I started working on digital landscapes about a year ago,” Timmons says. “I love photography, and enjoy incorporating photography into these works.”

In addition to previously being named as a Distinguished Alumni Exhibitor, Barbara has received Ohio Wesleyan’s Alumni Award for her volunteer activities for the university. Staying involved with OWU has been a family tradition. Barbara’s husband, Frank, is a 1952 OWU graduate, with strong family ties to the university. A resident of Delaware, she also serves on the National Board of Advisors for the Ross Museum.

– Linda O’Horo