A 100th birthday event is planned Thursday to celebrate the painter Robert William Addison. Above is his painting “El Track.”

ESCANABA — Bay College will host an event in honor of the 100th birthday of renowned artist Robert William Addison.

A presentation is planned at 2 p.m. Eastern time Thursday in the Besse Theater by Matt Shaughnessy, representative of the Robert Addison Gallery, and Kristine Granger, Bay College art faculty and fine arts coordinator.

A reception will follow in the Besse Gallery, where Addison’s work will be on display, including pieces in the dedicated Addison Alley. Addison, who found artistic inspiration from Escanaba’s people and places, is considered by art historians to be “the greatest Realist of the 20th Century.”

Bay College houses the largest collection of Addison’s critically-acclaimed body of work found anywhere in the world, a distinction made possible through the generous donations of artworks made by his wife, Betsy Wickman Addison of Escanaba and most recently, Lacy Rasberry of South Carolina and others.

In celebration of Addison’s centennial, they will also be hosting a special auction featuring three reproductions of his iconic works. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to come and explore the life and legacy of this celebrated artist.

Addison was a Chicago-based artist for over 40 years. Born on Jan. 17, 1924, in Boise, Idaho, he originally intended to become an architect. Fortunately for the art world, his plans were sidetracked when he joined the Army right out of high school.

After suffering an injury during training, he spent his recovery time painting. The Red Cross sponsored a show of his works, where all his paintings were sold, providing him with the confidence to pursue a career as an illustrator.

Fate intervened again in 1948, as post-war America saw an influx of aspiring illustrators. With classes filled, Addison turned to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he intensified his commitment to fine art. Encouraged by his teacher, Paul Wiegard, he was introduced to the Dutch and Italian Renaissance masters he came to admire..

For questions or additional information, please contact Kristine Granger at kristine.granger@baycollege.edu or 906- 217-4252, or the Events Department at events@baycollege.edu or 906-217-4040.