A new art exhibition now on display at Wayne State University's Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs offers a vivid glimpse at life on the job for workers who maintain the nation's railroads.
"Iron Men, Steel Rail: Track Labor and the Art of Mark Priest" captures life on the railroad as experienced by a man who himself labored as a track repairman for several years with CSX.
Priest, an African-American, will be on hand for official opening ceremonies at the Reuther Library at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. The event will be among WSU's Martin Luther King Day activities.
In his paintings, some more than seven feet wide and almost as high, the artist uses bright colors and burly figures in action stances to convey a feeling of intense drama. Also included in the exhibit are pencil sketches and an album of 8-by-10-inch photos of railroad workers on the job.
Lending additional realism to the exhibition is a collection of tools commonly used by track workers. Also included are samples of steel track, spikes, a railroad lantern and other objects that convey an "I've Been Working on the Railroad" atmosphere.
The Reuther Library exhibit gallery is open 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. The Priest exhibition will continue through February in celebration of Black History Month.
For more information call the library at (313) 577-4024.
Health
-
Trailblazing Ph.D. graduate appreciates personal growth at Wayne State
-
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute and Michigan Vaccination Partners accomplishments highlighted in APHA's Thought Leadership Film Series
-
Director of Wayne State’s Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute elected to AUCD Board of Directors
-
Dr. Li honored for developing modeling tool guiding selection of HER2 inhibitors to treat, prevent brain metastases in HER2-positive breast cancer patients
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
-
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute and Michigan Vaccination Partners accomplishments highlighted in APHA's Thought Leadership Film Series
-
Warriors in the Community, Episode 32: Battling Diabetes Among Black Youth
-
Wayne State's continued economic development efforts recognized by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
-
Journey of business student Faith Osei illustrates university’s amplified effort to produce career-ready graduates
Innovation
-
Academic Leadership Academy announces 2023-2024 cohort
-
Institute of Gerontology to expand access to resources protecting older adults from financial exploitation
-
Alumnus Dartis Willis Sr. taking giant strides as owner of Canadian pro basketball team
-
Changing the view: Research details the benefits of sightless dance instruction
Arts
-
WSU's December Dance Concert: a spectacular celebration of dance
-
College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts gets into the season during 49th Noel Night
-
More than a game: ‘The Wolves’ opens Nov. 17
-
M. Roy Wilson State Hall becomes latest canvas for University Art Collection
Honors & awards
-
School of Social Work doctoral student wins prestigious Minority Fellowship Program award
-
Book by WSU professor, historian Kidada E. Williams nominated for 2023 National Book Award
-
Making a difference: Scholar recognized for research supporting bullying abuse prevention
-
Wayne State named top performer in economic mobility, recognized for providing a strong return on investment for students