Granite City Press Record - May 29, 2005

'Feel the Emotion' art exhibit to be held Saturday at Coolidge
Mural dedication also part of event to honor the late Nathan McClain
By Michael Heil
Staff Writer

A former Coolidge Middle School student who achieved international acclaim for his artwork before his untimely death will be remembered during a special event at the school.  

Nathan McClain was an aspiring artist when his life was cut short in 1997 at age 24.   He painted several pieces, including an 8-by-16-foot sports mural, that will be on display at Coolidge during a dedication ceremony and retrospective on Saturday.  

McClain's family and friends are expected at attend the event, titled "Feel the Emotion," which begins at 2 p.m.   The mural, which will have a permanent home at Coolidge, will be dedicated at 2:30.  

"This is an exclusive chance to experience Nathan's amazing artwork live in person and in one place," said Kristopher Barks, a longtime friend and curator of the Nathan McClain Online Gallery.  

According to Barks, McClain is part of an elite group of contemporary St. Louis artists who gained international acclaim.  

"This premiere event displays artwork spanning McClain's entire career and is generally provided by family and friends who own the pieces," he said.  

The mural was in the Ultimate Sports store in Granite City, which was razed as part of the redevelopment of Nameoki Commons Shopping Center.   Barks worked with the school district for about eight months to have the mural placed at Coolidge.  

McClain attended Southwest Missouri State University, earning a degree in fine arts.   He painted sports illustrations, originals, and reproductions.   He was living in St. Louis at the time of his death.  

A Gallery of McClain's works can be found on the Internet at www.natemcclain.com.