An open house for the University of Evansville’s Melvin Peterson Gallery is planned for Tuesday, April 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The celebration will mark the 95th birthday of Melvin M. Peterson, the man who made possible this elegant showcase for student and professional artwork. Hosted by the University’s Friends of Art, the event is free and open to the public.
Peterson has been a long-time supporter and friend to the University of Evansville. He was president of UE’s Samuel Johnson Society, Harlaxton Society, and Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has been an honorary trustee of the University since 1999.
In 1991, the UE Alumni Association recognized Peterson with a Samuel Orr Honorary Alumnus; in 2014, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Through generous gifts to UE, he established the Melvin Peterson Endowed Chair in Literature and Writing and the Melvin Peterson Gallery.
A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Peterson served four years in the United States Navy and earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Arts in English literature from the California State University, and a Master of Arts in history from Indiana State University. In 1972, he retired from Chevron Oil Corporation, San Francisco, California, where he was a financial advisor.
Located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue, the Melvin Peterson Gallery was dedicated in 2010. It features changing exhibits of artwork by local and regional artists, alumni, and students.
