Evan Lindquist (May 23, 1936 – December 18, 2023) was an American artist and printmaker who was appointed to be the first Artist Laureate for the State of Arkansas. He concentrated on the medium of copperplate engraving for more than 50 years. His compositions are memorable for their emphasis on calligraphic lines.
At the age of 14, Lindquist started his own business, working as a professional calligrapher, engrosser, and gold-leaf artist. His clientele grew, and by 1952 his work was national in scope, including hand-lettered fraternity charters and certificates of membership for Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. In 1954, he graduated from Emporia High School and enrolled as a freshman at Emporia State University. He was employed as a Biology Lab Teaching Assistant, and later, he served as Staff Artist in the Graphic Arts and Printing Departments.[1] A legendary aunt, Christina Lillian, had inspired Lindquist to become an artist himself.[2]
In 1958, Lindquist earned the B.S. degree at Emporia State University, and he married artist Sharon Huenergardt. They have two sons. He continued working for ESU as Staff Artist until 1960 when Evan and Sharon moved to Iowa City, Iowa. From 1960 to 1963, he studied printmaking with Prof. Mauricio Lasansky at the University of Iowa, earning the M.F.A. degree in printmaking.
In 1963, he began teaching in the Art Department at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, until he retired from teaching in 2003. In 1981, he was awarded the honor of Outstanding Faculty Member and appointed by ASU President Ray Thornton to be First Chairman of The President's Fellows, a group formed to advise the president. He was awarded the rank of Emeritus Professor of Art, and he continues creating prints in his private studio in Jonesboro, Arkansas.[1] Lindquist died on December 18, 2023, at the age of 87.[3]
Works
Evan Lindquist, artist-printmaker, in his studio, 2016
Lindquist has concentrated on the process of burin engraving for printmaking since 1960.[1][4][5]
His best-known works have explored the topics of string theories, Academe, old master engravers, labyrinths, and several others.[6]
Lindquist's series on old master engravers was shown in 2015-2016 during a nine-month exhibition at Syracuse University Art Galleries, Syracuse, NY.[7]
