James L. Cagle art retrospective, 42-year career at St. Norbert College

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From St. Norbert College, October 26, 2004
by Mike Counter, mike.counter@snc.edu, (920) 403-3089

DE PERE: On Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Baer Gallery, Bush Art Center, the public will have a chance to honor the artistic contributions of a man who has spent 42 years of his life at St. Norbert College. A reception will introduce the retrospective exhibition of James L. Cagle's work, which pays tribute to the teacher, who is retiring. The show will include 42 pieces, primarily drawings and photographs from the 1970s through today. Cagle takes a conceptual approach to making art, where the emphasis is on an idea. "This work will allow people a chance to see the evolution of my ideas and growth," Cagle said. "While my work has changed over the years, there is an underlying unity here (nature and perception) which, I hope, people will see." Cagle says his work through his years at St. Norbert College has deepened. "As I've gotten older it has become more intimate and more revelatory." Cagle has taught thousands of students at St. Norbert College and he is looking forward to reconnecting with some of them at the reception, but admits it will be emotional. "I'm saying goodbye to many friends. I hope this reception and exhibition will reflect the many good feelings I have for these people." Cagle and his wife Kathy will retire to the Arizona desert when he leaves St. Norbert. With more free time, he is looking forward to working on a number of new projects. The James L. Cagle Retrospective will be on display at the Bear Gallery, Bush Art Center until Nov. 23. The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A few pieces of Cagle's artwork will be available for purchase.