Artist: Scott Gunvaldson

M State alumnus Scott Gunvaldson, a former student and long-time friend of Charles Beck, was commissioned to paint Beck’s portrait for the college’s new Charles Beck Gallery, which was dedicated in April 2007.

The plaque next to Beck’s portrait reads:

Charles Beck was an art instructor at this college from its founding in 1960 and he taught here for 27 years. His legacy endures.

As a teacher in the classroom, he inspired students to recognize and respond to the place of art in human experience. In the studio, he encouraged students in their efforts to create their own art.

Beyond his teaching, Beck influenced the college community by mounting art shows of work by students and area artists. In addition, he instituted a permanent college art collection which continues to grow.

Through his own art, he shapes our appreciation and vision of the landscape in which his art is rooted and which characterizes the geographic area our college serves. Beck’s art is displayed regionally in public and private collections and includes water colors, oils, woodcut prints and bird forms of wood.

To honor Beck’s influence on students, his work at our college and his lifetime passion that art is a part of the whole of life, the gallery surrounding Legacy Hall is named The Charles Beck Gallery.