Kenneth T. Wilson, Jr., age 83. of Bloomsburg, passed away Saturday evening, May 23, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born on Monday, December 21, 1931 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Kenneth T., Sr. and Noreen Wagner Wilson.
Ken graduated from Dormont High School in 1950; he continued his education at Edinboro State Teachers College, graduating in 1954 with a BS degree in Art Education. He served his country in the ASA branch of the US Army and was honorably discharged from the US Army on June 15, 1956.
After Ken's military service he continued his education and studied at Carnegie-Mellon University of Pittsburgh. He received a MA degree in Art Education from Penn State University in 1959, followed by PhD level courses.
From 1956 to 1963 Ken was Art teacher and Art Supervisor at McVeytown & Bellville, PA. From 1963 through 1996 he taught painting and drawing in the Art Department of Bloomsburg University. Ken also created and taught the Art Gallery course. During numerous summers he taught BU painting classes at Moosehead Lake, Maine and also co-taught a BU Art and Culture of France class in France for several years during spring break. He was Chair of the Bloomsburg University Art Department from 1989 thru 1996. He retired from Bloomsburg University as Professor Emeritus in 1996.
Following retirement, Ken continued to paint and draw in his studios at Stillwater and Maine. A quote from Ken on his painting philosophy: "The motivating factor behind my two paintings has to do with the nature that surrounds us in this area. The light is very special which makes every view and inspiration for painting. I feel that I have brought some of that into the paintings – color, shapes, and a feeling of togetherness with nature."
In 2008 Ken taught a watercolor class in Pavia, Italy for Indiana (PA) State College which was an extended studies course.
Drawings by Mr. Wilson have been published in the Bloomsburg University booklet entitled "Carver Hall". In addition to receiving several awards, he participated in numerous juried group/juried individual exhibitions and served as a juror for many exhibitions. He has been a member and served on the board of North Mountain Art League and has exhibited in numerous shows throughout the years.
One-Person Exhibitions in Haas Gallery of Bloomsburg University include "The University Years" (a retrospective), and "Paintings from a Sabbatical".
Ken served the art community in many capacities. He was Secretary of Mid-State Artists from 1968 to 1975. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society and Global Awareness Society. Ken was a member of Friends of Bloomsburg University Library Association (FOBULA), Philadelphia Watercolor Society, and the Art Association of Harrisburg. Many of his works of art are hanging in numerous museums, galleries and private homes throughout the nation.
Ken was a member of St. James United Church of Christ of Stillwater (Bendertown area) and was formerly a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Bloomsburg.
On November 15, 1954, Ken married the former Dorothy J. Knight on his first leave from Army Basic Training. Dorothy survives and resides in Bloomsburg. Also surviving is a daughter: Lynn C. Stola and husband, Alfred, Jr. of Turbotville; a son: Daniel T. Wilson and wife, Patti (Price) Wilson, of Charlottesville VA; two granddaughters: Maggie and Kelly Wilson: a sister: Elizabeth B. Brenner of Fairfax VA and numerous nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation for family and friends is scheduled on Friday, May 29, from 5 to 7 pm at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth St., Bloomsburg as well as on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 9 to 10 am.
Funeral Services will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the funeral home with Ken's pastor, Rev. Nancy Light Hardy of St. James UCC Church, officiating. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Stillwater (Bendertown area). There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to be serving the Wilson family. Memorial contributions in Ken's name are suggested to Columbia Montour Hospice 410 Glenn Ave. Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center, 42 Community Drive Benton, PA 17814.