DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A locally-born artist who excels in bronze and steel sculptures was recently recognized for his talents at the Metal Museum in Memphis, Tenn.
"We proudly recognize Preston Jackson as our 38th Master Metalsmith. In Jackson’s words, the exhibition 'reveals history that has been buried, forgotten, or deemed unimportant by society,'" read an announcement on the exhibition page for Jackson's work.
Jackson was born in Decatur and graduated from Stephen Decatur High school before attending Millikin University and transferring to Southern Illinois University.
In 2023, Jackson spoke to WAND News about how the Great Migration brought his family from Tennessee to Illinois. He credited his parents for cultivating a love for art and culture early on.
"My parents provided things that were always an artistic sensibility," said Jackson.
If you're planning a road trip, you have just two more weeks to see Jackson's exhibit "A Hidden Culture" at the Metal Museum in Memphis. The exhibit runs through January 26.
Read more about the exhibit here.
