Saturday, April 26, 2014

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College instructor Marc Poole's artwork accepted in international exhibit

GAUTIER, Mississippi -- The work of Biloxi artist Marc Poole, visual art instructor and Fine Art Gallery director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Jackson County Campus, will be featured in the ASAA 2014 International Aerospace Art Exhibition at the San Diego Air & Space Museum gallery.

He is one of 45 artists from around the world whose work was selected from more than 140 entries. The display opens Monday and runs through July 28. His work, "Homeward Bound," depicts Jerry O'Keefe, World War II Marine Corps fighter ace and Gulf Coast native, returning from a mission in 1945.

Poole, a member of the American Society of Aviation Artists since 1992, said, "I've had a lifelong interest in aviation history, and I like to use my art as a vehicle for the preservation of the stories that have always fascinated me. My graduate research at Mississippi State University was based on the visualization of several different individual stories of World War II veterans, and it remains something I am very passionate about."

Poole said he had heard of O'Keefe's war exploits as a child and knew he wanted to do a project featuring him.

"The chance to talk with Mr. O'Keefe personally about his experience was enlightening," he said. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for his generation. To have my painting of his Corsair accepted in to the ASAA exhibit in San Diego is an honor and will give me the opportunity to showcase one of our own Coast heroes on an international stage."

The American Society of Aviation Artists was formed in 1986 to bring together, in one professional body, artists who are acknowledged leaders in the field for the purpose of recognizing and promoting interest in aviation art as a fine art form. Artist members are selected by a group of their peers on the basis of their demonstrated abilities and experience. Membership currently numbers more than 250 artists and associate members representing all corners of the United States. Foreign affiliates are also welcomed, with members hailing from a number of countries around the globe.

The ASAA holds annual forums that cover a variety of subjects and valuable information for artists, collectors and aviation enthusiasts alike. This year's forum opens its six-day program in San Diego on Monday.

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