Former Butler Community College Art Chair Honored at Memorial Exhibit

Written by: Caleb Sanderson

Former Chair of the Art Department Lynn Havel passed away in late May at his home in Colorado, leaving behind a loving family and a legacy at Butler Community College. Havel was a gifted artist, leader and educator who valued art, nature, music, friends and family. To honor his memory, a selection of Havel’s pieces will be displayed in the Erman B. White Art Gallery of Art and will be open to the public Aug. 25 – Sept. 17.  

The Lynn Havel Art Scholarship has been established to benefit art students at Butler Community College. Donations may be made in Lynn’s honor at http://www.butlercc.edu/lynn-havel.

His works include paintings, printmaking, handmade papers and ceramics. Havel was a committed craftsman, spending long hours hand cutting and peeling delicate layers to create abstract designs. Some of these works can be found around the El Dorado campus.

Havel’s tenure at Butler spanned 31 years. He impacted generations of artists in the Midwest. He served as the gallery director, taught many art courses and mentored both students and faculty, including the current department dean, Valerie Haring.

“He was instrumental in the entire creation of the campus gallery,” said Haring about her departed friend and mentor.  

Havel worked to secure the gallery donor, oversee the building expansion and met with an architect to ensure the experience would be immersive for viewers. His gallery work predated many technological advancements, so he wrote many letters to artists and drove to appointments in a van to collect art pieces for exhibits.  

The artists Havel connected with for the campus gallery were diverse in both subject matter and materials. His vision was for the Erman B. White Gallery to serve as a learning lab for students, faculty, staff and stakeholders.

Havel often organized exhibits meant to challenge the viewer. The gallery’s reach extends far beyond the region and has even hosted a nationally-juried art exhibit.

“Every moment with Lynn was a lesson – subtle, generous and lasting. You always left wiser than when you arrived,” said Haring. She noted Havel was always in teaching mode, but listeners often felt as if he were delivering the gift of knowledge. First an art student of Havel’s, Haring later became faculty under his leadership and eventually succeeded him as Chair of Art department. Havel’s spirit and investment in those around him helped their relationship blossom into a deep, lasting friendship.

Havel’s hobbies included loving life and those around him, skiing, gardening, sailing and more. He also played the guitar with his band, Sunshine Singers, in the community.  

Exhibit Quick Details

What: Art Exhibit and Celebration of Life for Lynn Havel

Where: Erman B. White Gallery of Art, 700 building, El Dorado campus

When: Monday Aug. 25 – Wednesday Sept. 17

Gallery Hours: Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Reception: Thursday Sept. 4 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. with comments at 6 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend