Koehnline Art Museum exhibits works of David Bekker

Oakton Community College's Koehnline Museum of Art will display compositions by Works Progress Administration Chicago artist David Bekker (1897-1956) Thursday, Dec. 5, through Friday, Jan. 24, at the college's Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road.

The public is invited to an opening night reception for the free exhibition "From Sorrow to Triumphant Joy: The Art of David Bekker" from 5-8 p.m.

Bekker, known for images of human suffering and murals in Illinois public buildings, was born in Vilna, Poland. His work consisting of paintings, woodcuts, etchings and stained glass windows was influenced by Jewish themes and the history of the Jewish people.

"He recorded and perpetuated the vanishing Jewish traditions and culture in Eastern Europe before the Holocaust," exhibit Curator Nathan Harpaz said. "Bekker depicted tragic themes in his expressive images, but also captured moments of humor and joy."

The museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information is at (847) 635-2633 or www.oakton.edu/museum.