Rodney Frew

Image credits (left to right): 1. (Detail) Rodney Frew, Self, My 65th Year, 1998, Oil on canvas. Gift of Morgan Frew and the Estate of Rodney Frew. Collection of the Springfield Art Museum. 2. (Detail) Rodney Frew, Table Rock, 1969, Oil on canvas. Gift of Morgan Frew and the Estate of Rodney Frew. Copyrights Estate of Rodney Frew.

Exhibit Details

November 26, 2022 - March 19, 2023
Eldredge Gallery

Rodney Frew, a longtime local artist and art educator, developed a reputation for not only his talent as a printmaker, but his “penchant for depicting the human condition in a no-holds-barred manner.” His focused attention on the absurdities of life were informed by humor and sarcasm. He noted, “I’ve never been enamored of the pretty. Cake icing has no appeal to me. Regardless of what subject or medium I’m working with; I try to get beyond the surface.”

Frew taught printmaking, drawing, and painting at Missouri State University for 34 years, retiring with emeritus status in 1997. He exhibited his work often at the Springfield Art Museum, as well as national and international venues. This exhibition features a broad range of Frew’s work pulled from the Museum’s permanent collection, thanks in large part to a generous gift from the artist’s estate, facilitated by his son Morgan Frew, in 2019. 

Exhibit Resources

View the Exhibition Photo Album

Related Programs

Artist Talk with Morgan Frew:
Saturday, December 3, 11 AM

Join us for a discussion with artist Morgan Frew, Rodney Frew's son, as he discusses his father's artistic practice and the legacy of his work. Free and open to the public.

Self-Portrait Workshop:
Friday, February 10, 5:45 PM

This workshop includes basic drawing methods for portraits and self-portraits. No experience required. All skill levels welcome. Registration is required. $40 workshop fee includes all materials. Ages 16+  

Slow-Viewing with Shauna LeAnn Smith:

Saturday, February 11, 2 PM, Landscape by Rodney Frew

Slow Viewing is a supportive practice for anyone who wants to develop their skills of interpretation, observation, and discussing art. Guests spend an hour carefully observing and speaking about the works on view, resulting in a deeper understanding of how they and others relate to the artwork and to each other. This program is facilitated by artist Shauna LeAnn Smith. This program is free, but space in-gallery is limited so pre-registration is required.