September 11, 2007

University of Mobile’s Charles “Mack” Clark chosen for Fourth Annual Greater Mobile Arts Award

Mobile, Ala.-University of Mobile Professor Emeritus Charles “Mack” Clark will be recognized for his achievements as an educator Friday, Sept. 14 when he receives the Fourth Annual Greater Mobile Arts Award. This is the second time an educator from the University of Mobile has received this award from the Mobile Arts Council, Barbara Laurendine, adjunct instructor of piano, was honored in 2005.. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. at Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile.

Nominees are chosen by a panel of distinguished representatives based on “the total contribution or body of work of the nominee and its impact on an artistic discipline or effect on the community.”

Clark dedicated 31 years of his life to educating students at the University of Mobile as well as creating beautiful artwork as a professional artist. At his retirement in December 2006, he was professor of art and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Clark directed the regional juried art show and competition “Art With a Southern Drawl.” While under his tenure, this competition grew in size and prestige. He also created the ceremonial mace carried each year before graduates at the university’s commencement ceremony.

The Mobile Arts Council is a private nonprofit organization that serves as an umbrella organization for arts and cultural organization in the Greater Mobile Metropolitan Area receiving financial support from the City of Mobile, Mobile County Commission, Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and from local corporations, businesses, and individuals.

By Jeni Coale, freshman, marine science