Artist Preston Jackson

Preston Jackson is well-known in Illinois and beyond as a sculptor and painter. “He also likes to think of himself as a storyteller, and the story is often a personal one,” said Ilinois Pioneers host David Inge. “As he says, ‘I create who I am.’ ” Jackson is the co-founder of the Contemporary Art Center in Peoria, where he also has a studio and gallery. He earned his Master of Fine arts degree at the U of I, and has taught for many years at the Art Institute of Chicago.

“Preston says the most important influence on him when he was studying at the U of I was the sculptor Frank Gallo. Gallo was a member of the art faculty, and suggested that Preston try his hand at sculpture,” Inge said.