Akus Gallery

Julian Akus (April 30, 1921 – February 21, 1981) was a distinguished artist and educator whose legacy continues to inspire. A devoted member of the university's faculty for nearly three decades, Akus began his tenure in 1952 as Assistant Professor of Art and later served as the Department Chair of the Art Program. He worked with unwavering dedication until his passing in 1981, leaving an indelible mark on the college and the greater art community.

Akus’s education took him from Indiana and Columbia Universities to the American University in Shrivenham, England, and across Europe. His work was widely exhibited in New England and New York, with notable showings at the Providence and Boston Art Festivals, as well as exhibitions in Fall River, MA, and Purchase, NY. His early artwork reflected a keen interest in cubism, but over time, he transitioned toward abstract expressionism and pop art, responding to the cultural and political shifts of his era. Music, particularly jazz and classical music, played a crucial role in shaping his visual art, which often resonated with the themes of social justice, religion, and human emotion.

Akus’s teaching was rooted in his deep love for education and art history. He taught courses in art appreciation, history, and hands-on media like painting, drawing, and clay, fostering an environment where students were encouraged to explore diverse artistic practices. His courses on ancient cultures, including Mesopotamia, Greece, and Egypt, were infused with his enthusiasm for art history. He created a space for students to experiment and learn through performance and media—teaching not just technique but the very act of creation itself.

His own studio, located above a hardware store in the heart of Willimantic, reflected his deep connection to the town’s vibrant, industrial atmosphere in the late 1950s. This space, where Akus painted large oil works and experimented with materials, was a sanctuary for his creativity. Over the years, his paintings evolved from the bold lines of cubism to the softer, more fluid forms of abstract expressionism, incorporating acrylics and often drawing upon his Jewish heritage and religious themes.

Akus was not just a teacher in the classroom but also an active member of the community. He was involved in high school musicals, creating set designs and working with students on puppet shows, often encouraging them to craft their own puppets. Music, too, played a prominent role in his life, and he infused his work with the rhythms of jazz and classical music. These experiences reflected his belief in the power of art to engage and unite people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Beyond his professional life, Akus was a loving family man. He often brought his son into his art room, where they would work together, sharing in the creative process. His deep connections within the art world also extended to his personal life—he introduced his son to his future wife, one of his students at the college.

Born in the New York area and shaped by the Great Depression and the political movements of the 1930s, Akus’s worldview was further influenced by his service in World War II, where he fought in North Africa, England, and Sicily. His experiences during the war and the social turbulence of the post-war period shaped his art and his unwavering commitment to social justice, which permeated both his work and teaching.

The Akus Gallery, named in his honor, served as a lasting tribute to his contributions as an artist and educator. The gallery was established with the goal of preserving and celebrating his legacy, showcasing his work and the work of others who embody the values he held dear. Early on, the gallery displayed his paintings alongside those of students in glass cases, creating a space where art and education intertwined. His contributions to the university were formally recognized, including an official seal from the Connecticut State Senate, further solidifying his place in the university’s history.

Julian Akus’s legacy lives on through his work, his teachings, and the gallery that bears his name. His art continues to resonate with the ideals of beauty, compassion, and social consciousness, inspiring future generations to engage with the world through both creativity and purpose.