The response of the world to the deaths of four students at Kent State University on May 4th, 1970 at the hands of the National Guard of the United States was intense and deeply felt. Visual artists used the occasion to create works that honored the victims and, in some cases, criticized the situation that caused their deaths.

Many artists sent the work they created in response to the event to the School of Art Collection at Kent State University to show support for the people immediately effected. Some of the notable artists who made and donated work in honor of the for Kent State students who lost their lives were, Richard Hamilton, Ruth Gikow, Chuck Close and Nathan Oliveira.

In one special case, a group of students from the Philadelphia College of Art (now called The University of the Arts) made a Commemorative Medallion to honor the victims. Students in Olaf Skoogfor’s Jewelry class who designed and created the Commemorative Medallion were; Susan Cabnet, Julia Claus, Christopher Darway, Jacqueline Ott, and Diane Marie Rosetti. Students in Dan Jackson’s woodworking class, Jonathan Bonner and Johnny Jackson, designed and carved a box for the medallion out of hickory. Julia Claus then travelled to Kent, Ohio on June 7, 1970 and presented the piece to Kent State University President, Robert I. White.

This exhibition has been informed and inspired by this compelling piece. The medallion has also played a central role in the School of Art's stewardship of the School of Art Collection at Kent State University. The object highlights not only the unique history of the school and the many artists who have worked, studied and visited Kent, but also the important role a “teaching collection” can have in helping to share the research of others as we seek to better understand the “how” and the “why” art is made.

Anderson Turner
Director
School of Art Collection and Galleries
Co-curator Constructed Answer