Keeping life beautiful

For 25 years, Terry Martin has brought his artistic talents to residents throughout Central Missouri.

The professor of studio art at William Woods University in Fulton says he truly enjoys being around young people.

"Young people are optimistic. They have fun for the most part, and it rubs off on you," he said.

Martin was a nominee this year for the Icons of Education Award presented by Ingrams Magazine.

His colleagues at William Woods said Martin, "is a strong believer in academic service-learning, which allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world problems in the community."

Martin and his students have been involved in numerous civic projects including:

• Art therapy for children through the Dream Factory.

• Greeting cards for deployed soldiers to send to their loved ones.

• Art therapy activities for Joplin residents after a tornado ravaged their community.

• Paintings to bring color and life to the exam rooms of St. Mary's Creektrail Clinics in Jefferson City.

Martin grew up in Southern Missouri around Licking.

"I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors, and most of my art deals with the outdoors," he said.

Martin started sketching animals and landscapes and things took off from there.

"I did a water color of trout in 1982 and it became a stamp," he said.

Martin has served as vice president of the Jefferson City Art Club and has worked to bring about community projects such as the Ruth Hogan Children's Art Exhibit and High School Sketch Day.

He has also served on the state committee to develop "Show Me Standards" in art education for Missouri schools.

Along with his passion for art, Martin is also a breast cancer awareness supporter.

He lost both parents to cancer, along with a grandmother, uncle and many close friends.

"I've worked with hospice and try to be as empathetic as possible," he said. "I was close to my grandmother. She took me fishing. We dug worms and she took me to a pond to fish so she got me started with my love for nature. I thought they would have a cure for cancer by now. We've made some progress but they still have work to do."

Martin believes environmental problems play a part in causing cancers.

"When I was a boy, I could drink out of the Current River and not get sick, but I don't think I could now," he said. "I feel like cancers are environmental toxins in the water, and we are not careful enough in removing or checking for them."

Looking to the future, Martin for the past couple of years has worked on a book for one of his grandsons on his hopes for environmental stewardship.

"My grandsons are symbols for hope, and I hope they can enjoy these resources I've enjoyed."