Busts created by LU alum unveiled

Artworks called fitting end to Black History Month

Lincoln University archivist Mark Schleer carefully sets down a bust of President Barack Obama while creator of the bust and Lincoln University alumnus Phil Jones watches at the Lincoln University Inman E Page Library on Monday.
Lincoln University archivist Mark Schleer carefully sets down a bust of President Barack Obama while creator of the bust and Lincoln University alumnus Phil Jones watches at the Lincoln University Inman E Page Library on Monday.

Phil Jones, Jefferson City native and fellow Lincolnite, donated two distinct pieces of his artwork in the form of busts to his alma mater, resembling the renowned civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Barack Obama.

The two busts were unveiled Monday by the Lincoln University archives department and the Ethic Study Center located in the Inman E. Page Library as a culminating celebration to Black History Month.

Mark Schleer, university archivist, said Jones was prepared to offer the busts as gifts to the university back in December, but Schleer thought the unveiling would be most fitting in February's celebration of Black History Month.

"Since we are an historically black college/university, having these busts on display is definitely something to celebrate," Schleer told the News Tribune. "When Obama became the first black president, that gave a lot of people hope and with the legacy he and Dr. King has left, we are proud to be able to continue to celebrate in this manner."

Jones said the busts are two of many pieces he has done over the years, but he wanted to share his work with his alma mater.

"I was a third generation LU student and this means the world to me to have my work featured here on campus knowing that my grand kids may one day see this work on display," Jones said. "When I was going through school, I can remember some of the artists whose artwork you see on these walls right now."

Jones explained that over a period of time, he put in at least 60 hours of work into each bust. At no point was he able to sit down 60 hours straight and finish them. He explained it takes a great amount of detailed work to get them to look just right.

Jones' art journey started back when he was a kid, where he constructed his first bust in 1973, his junior year of high school at Jefferson City High School, earning the Hallmark Gold Key Award. The award was granted to Jones as distinction for his creative work.

"When you're good at something, it's not hard to do," Jones said. "That's how artwork is for me.

Since then he has created more than 60 busts using different techniques, studying the intricacies of different designs associated with the features of various ethnicities. Jones even has his own business where he designs urns in the shape of busts that resemble people and pets.

Several students, alumnus, faculty and community members came out to support the artist and to see the unveiling.

Diamond Jones, freshman at LU, said it was important for her to come out not only to support the university, but to see how the artist sees the historical leaders.

Schleer told the audience he was proud to have such a visual display of work available on the campus in the Ethnic Study Center.

Next month, Jones will have a bust of Ronald Reagan on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California.

"Its really a cool feeling to know that generations from now people will still be looking at your work and you leave a legacy to the institution that opens so many windows to the world," Jones said.