Nationality
American
Artist Dates
1906-1994
Preview
Date of Work
ca. 1970
Medium
Watercolor
Signature
Lower right
Height
18 1/8"
Width
24 1/4"
Collection/Provenance
UND Alumni Association Collection: George Starcher Collection
Status
On display: Third floor
Location
Memorial Union
Artist Bio
George Starcher was the ninth president of the University of North Dakota from 1954 to 1971. He was well regarded by those around him and by the University due to his ability to accommodate the campus during this time of growth when enrollment had tripled. It can be argued that UND didn’t suffer the same social unrest as other universities due to Starcher’s defense of free speech, including the right to peacefully assemble. A brilliant mathematician, Starcher became a more active artist in his later years following retirement, most notably creating watercolors of landscapes and campus buildings.
Additional Information
Student composed text panel:
George Starcher (American, 1906-1994)
Untitled, 1970
Monoprint
UND Art Collections: UND Alumni Association Collection
Gifted by the Estate of George Starcher
George Starcher was President of the University of North Dakota from 1954-1971. Although his academic background was in mathematics, he became increasingly active as an art maker in his later years. Interestingly, UND presidents Frank McVey, Charles Kupchella, and Robert O. Kelley also had interests in making visual art.
Starcher, who served UND through the tumultuous 1960s, was well-respected in the Grand Forks community. As UND President, he tolerated demonstrations and promoted free speech, which perhaps helped to prevent the social unrest that other universities often faced during this era.
While Starcher’s representational art presents less of a challenge to the observer, it should not be overlooked. Familiar landscapes make up the subject of his watercolors. Starcher’s depiction of beaches and mountains invites a feeling of calm serenity that sends a message of comfort and warmth.
Depiction of sand dunes next to the sea.
Condition
Very good
Rights
Images are provided for educational purposes only and may not be reproduced for commercial use. Images may be protected by artist copyright. A credit line is required to be used for any public non-commercial educational purpose. The credit line must include, “Image courtesy of the University of North Dakota.”