Hannon Library Acquires Eugene Bennett Collection

Hannon Library was bequeathed the book collection of Eugene Bennett, prominent Jacksonville artist who died on November 2, 2010.  A Central Point native, Bennett graduated from Medford High School and attended the University of Oregon before serving in the Navy.  He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees at The Art Institute of Chicago, where he later taught.  After a year in Europe, Bennett moved back to the Rogue Valley in 1958, where he taught art and, with other area artists, founded the Rogue Gallery & Art Center in 1960.  Bennett continued to exhibit in Chicago, New York and San Francisco, and was a tireless supporter of local arts groups.  The collection, which contains nearly 1,400 books covering all areas of art and art history, is currently being processed.