Collinsville of the past comes alive in art
Artist paints scenes for calendar given to Collinsville High alumni
 |
| ALENE HILL PHOTO Displaying his calendar featuring paintings of Collinsville street scenes is Bill Needle, joined by his wife, Ruth Needle, and Collinsville High School 60th reunion organizer Bob Karrer. Bill Needle, the valedictorian of that class, provided calendars to his fellow alumni at the reunion this month. |
"He told us to go home to our hometowns and paint what we know best," Needle said. "I am glad I did."
On Sept. 6, Needle's high school classmates were also glad he did.At the 60th reunion of the Collinsville High School class of 1948, held at Stonebridge Golf Club in Maryville, Needle presented some prints of his art work - familiar scenes of Collinsville along with some other favorites - in calendar form to his fellow graduates.
"I think we can all say just how honored we are to have some of his work," said reunion organizer and master of ceremonies Bob Karrer.
The 2009 calendar the group received, numbered and signed by Needle, includes reproductions of 13 of his work including seven familiar scenes of Collinsville.
The scenes include:
- The old Dr. J. L. Wadsworth house on Church Street, near Morrison Avenue, named for the city's mayor in the late 1900s;
- A portrait of Needle's mother from her 1905 Collinsville High School graduation picture;
- Two different scenes of Miners Theatre;
- Collinsville City Hall with its World War II memorial;
- Two local churches that have since been replaced: Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the First United Presbyterian Church.
Needle also included some of his personal favorites: a montage he did while on a trip with his wife, Ruth, his daughter and son-in-law to San Francisco, and a depiction of Jesus Christ with outstretched hands.
Needle, the class valedictorian, also provided plenty of historical background with his paintings, such as the fountain and popcorn stand formerly located in front of Miners Theatre and the Civil War monument in front of City Hall. (It now sits on the south side of the building.)
Amid the touches are artistic techniques he appreciates - Andy Warhol's color schemes in the print of his mother; the surrealism of Salvador Dali used in his piece on the resurrection; and the influence of Japanese, Chinese and Korean art in a piece with chrysanthemums and the love birds.
Needle has also earned a reputation for his 32 years of work producing authentic Egyptian hieroglyphic drawing, a passion he shares with his wife and one they still enjoy.
After Needle retired as a professor of art history and Egyptology at Southeast Missouri State University, the couple settled in Cape Girardeau, where the school is located.
Still, Collinsville is alive for Needle, a fact reflected in his work and the calendar, classmates said.
"I think it is an amazing gift to take home from a class reunion," said Jane Nevinger, who graduated with Needle and attended the celebration with her husband, Don. "We're all very proud of him."
