The exhibit “Mr. December: The Life, Art and Experience of William Nealy … Illustrator and Outdoor Sports Cult Hero” is on display at the University’s Reece Museum until June 9.
The exhibit came to the museum on March 24 and provides viewers with a look into William Nealy’s life. Nealy was an illustrator who mapped rivers and guidebooks in the late 1970s that became popular with outdoor enthusiasts. His work changed the way people viewed the outdoors and put a fun spin on what the outdoors has to offer.
The rivers and waterways he mapped are some of the most popular and important waterways in the country. His work inspired people to visit the outdoors and participate in outdoor activities.
ETSU’s Scott Honeycutt curated the exhibit along with the Reese Museum staff and provided guided tours on April 1 to explain the piece.
“I hope people will come to the exhibit and marvel at the way that Nealy was able to capture in pen and ink the vibrancy of our landscape, and I hope that visitors are inspired to spend more time in the outdoors, exploring its rough wonder and advocating for its protection,” said Honeycutt.
The “Mr. December” exhibit features over 100 original art pieces from Nealy including maps, cartoons and sketches. The exhibit also includes large reproduction of some of Nealy’s pieces including an 8-foot-tall map of the Nolichucky River.
Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the display and are provided with an Exhibition Guide that includes a map of the gallery. Visitors can also participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a unique prize.
Students and community members can visit the unique limited exhibit until June 9 during normal museum operating hours.
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