Donation of a Fred Myers' Sculpture

Jody Cagle, daughter of former University Museum Director Fred Cagle, presented the Museum with Southern Illinois folk artist Fred Myers' Slave this past July.  Fred Myers (1910-1950) carved Slave out of black walnut, the artist's favorite material. 

Jody Cagle, holding Fred Myers' Slave

Though he lived a short life, Fred Myers created 120 sculptures, many for the Works Progress Administration at the University Museum during the Great Depression. During this time, Myers worked under Fred Cagle and satirized his boss’ demanding ways in this sculpture. 

The University Museum owns the bulk of the Myers’ production as a WPA artist.