Presented by the Colorado Mesa University Foundation
Jac Kephart was a revered CMU alumnus and renowned professional artist. Colorado Mesa University has memorialized his artwork as a permanent experiential opportunity for students and the community to see his art on the Colorado Mesa University campus.
The art collection is a mapped, and a self-guided tour. Dozens of paintings rendered by Kephart are displayed throughout campus in more than seven different buildings. Self-guided tour maps will be available in the CMU Downtown Grand Junction Art Gallery 437CO, or you can view the map online by clicking the link below.
View the digital self-guided tour & map
Remembering Jac Kephart
Jac Kephart was an influential member of the arts community and continually showed his support to numerous organizations including Colorado Mesa University and The Art Center. He mentored countless artists of all ages, and inspired artists and art lovers across the country.
Jac attended Mesa State College, now Colorado Mesa University, with aspirations of attaining a degree in architecture. However, his talent as a fine art painter led his life in a different direction.
Jac and his wife, Pat, ran Jac’s House of Flowers in Grand Junction, Colorado. Jac worked as a florist during the day and created art by night until his career as a painter became fully sustainable.
Jac donated over forty works to Colorado Mesa University. His collection is on display in Houston Hall, Wubben Hall & Science Center, Lowell Heiny Hall, the University Center, Dominguez Hall, Confluence Hall and the Health Sciences Building.
Jac’s work and passion for art speaks for itself in many ways, but he described it best when he said, “I am not documenting subjects or making statements; I’m creating original creations and trying to make an emotional connection. I want the viewer to connect with their viewing experience and be happy when they look at my paintings. I’ll paint for the rest of my life always searching for that one ultimate creation – art is a wonderful gift.”
Want to know more?
For more information about the CMU Kephart Campus Collection contact the CMU Foundation at [email protected] and learn about how to support students, art and culture at CMU.