Martha Donates Glitter to University

Tim Waldrop is a living example of the old saying, "Ask, and you shall receive." The Western Illinois University associate professor of art recently asked for, and received, a substantial donation (more than $3,100) of glitter and glitter-related craft materials from Martha Stewart Crafts.

The sparkling decorations are being used by students and faculty to create their one-of-a-kind artwork for display in the next University Art Gallery show, "Exploring Media: Glitter," which will run from Tuesday, Feb. 23 through Thursday, March 11. A kickoff reception, open free to the public, will be held from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Art Gallery.

"This generous donation from Martha Stewart Crafts directly impacts our students' artwork," Waldrop said. "'Martha Stewart Living' asked me to document the students and faculty working, and the exhibit as well," Waldrop said. "They said they would like to include the show information and images on their blog. This is really exciting for our students and for our department participating in the show."

He started preparing for this spring exhibition in Fall 2009, thanks to a Western Illinois University-Macomb community Performing Arts Society (PAS) grant, which, in part, helped him schedule visiting artists for the glitter exhibition. Waldrop has been requesting, and receiving, nontraditional materials for this annual exhibit, "Exploring Media," the past four years.

"I began the "Exploring Media" exhibit series as a way for our students to become more experimental with materials. I started by simply contacting specific corporations and manufacturers who could possibly donate 'unorthodox' materials," Waldrop said.