Raymond Gloeckler

RAY GLOECKLER

BORN: Portage, WI - Dec. 13, 1928

DIED: Portage, WI - June, 2022

Att a very young age, Ray had a deep interest in drawing and in high school he was given a position as illustrator for the school paper.

Despite his interest and artistic skills, he began his formal college education to become a pharmacisct. But by his sophmore year he switched to an art major and received his Bachelors Degree from the UW-Madison in 1950, and a Masters degree from UW Oshkosh in 1952.

While completing his studies, he worked through a government program - teaching art in rural schools and traveling to various communities. After graduation Gloeckler began his formal career teaching, first with a position at University of Wisconsin from 1953 to 1957. He then relocated to Flint, Michigan, where he was a professor at Flint Community College for a year, then transferring to Eastern Michigan University at Ypsilanti until 1961. Gloeckler again accepted a professorship at his beloved UW Madison alma mater, where he was employed from 1961 until his retirement in 1993. He earned a reputation as a greatly admired and supportive educator among his students and peers.

Gloeckler is known for his highly detailed caricatures, and bold, expressive, satire and commentary. His prints and paintings comment on humanity's follies and foibles in a unique, light-hearted style defying art world trends.

Over thirty woodcuts and wood etchings from Raymond Gloeckler estate are readiliy available through the Gallery. However, hundreds more are available with subjects ranging from the charming and witty to the politically charged and socially conscious.

Some of the awards Ray received include Wisconsin's Art Education Association's Award of Distinguished Service (1997); induction as a Fellow of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters (2002); and the Wisconsin Visual Art Lifetime Achievment Award (2009). He exhibited nationally and internationally, and was only one of three printmaking members invited into the British Society of Wood Engravers. His work is included in public and private collections around the world.

Sources: http://www.askart.com/artist_bio/Raymond_Gloeckler/74979/Raymond_Gloeckler.aspx

Stevens, Andrew. “Ray Gloeckler: Master Printmaker.” Elvehjem Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin – Madison. 2004.