Denison University artist’s works to be auctioned to benefit Granville Historical Society

Distinguished Denison University artist Michael Jung is currently the focus of an exhibition and the sale of his works by the Granville Historical Society.

Entitled "Michael Jung—A Life in Art," the show of his paintings and drawings is on view at the Granville Historical Society Museum downtown in Granville through June 2.

Sixty-two of the late artist’s works will be available for purchase at a live and online auction at 6 p.m. on June 4 at Apple Tree Auction Center in Newark. A pre-auction reception will be held at Apple Tree at 5 p.m. that same day.

The display and the sale of Jung’s paintings are the result of a generous gift from his widow, Marilyn, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Granville Historical Society. Two works from the group will become part of the society’s collection.

Proceeds from the sale of Jung’s art will benefit the Society's endowment.

"Through the generosity of Marilyn Jung in the name of her late husband, selected works from his lifelong career in art will be auctioned on June 4," said Evelyn Frolking, member of the Society’s Board of Managers, and Development Chair. "Proceeds from the auction and other sales of his work will benefit the Charles Webster Bryant Legacy Society, an enduring endowment of the Granville Historical Society that protects and preserves the history of Granville through its history museum and archives. We are indebted and grateful to Marilyn for her belief and support of our work."

The works, both figurative and abstract, span the breadth of Jung's noted career as an artist, said Nannette Maciejunes, a member of the Society’s Board of Managers. The art works being sold include important paintings in oil and acrylic; watercolors, gouaches and pastels; collages and prints; and ink and graphite drawings.

"Michael's work was deeply influenced by the history of 20th century modernism, particularly Surrealism," she said. "It was also impacted by his life experiences, including his time in the Navy and his extensive travels, which led him to ultimately visit 58 countries."

The installation at the museum continues through June 2 and includes a selection of drawings that visitors may purchase while there. Prices range from $20 to $150. The show was featured in the May Granville Art Walk and will be available for viewing again in the next Art Walk on June 1. The society will have extended public hours the weekend of May 31 through June 2.

Michael and Marilyn Jung were a vital part of the Denison and Granville community for many decades, raising their three children here. Michael died in September 2022 at age 86. Marilyn continues to live in the community and remains active as a community volunteer. They met as students at Denison from which they both graduated in 1958.

After serving as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and attending graduate school and receiving two masters of art degrees, Michael returned to Denison in 1967, first as an artist-in-residence and eventually as a full professor. He was a mainstay of the Denison Art Department for more than 35 years before his retirement in 2001 becoming an Emeritus Studio Art Professor. Jung was a highly regarded artist and a beloved professor. After his retirement, he continued to be active as an artist going to his studio on River Road most days to work.

The Granville Historical Society Museum, at 115 E. Broadway downtown, is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to5 p.m. For the June 1 Art Walk it will be open until 8 p.m.

Information submitted bythe Granville Historical Society.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Denison artist’s works to be auctioned to benefit historical society