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As a platoon sergeant, Fred Pilkington was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 spending four months in captivity. He wrote an account of his time as a soldier during wartime combat and what life was like in those German Pr*son camps. After the war, Fred stayed in the Army Reserves and at the time of his death, had achieved the rank of Colonel. In 2014, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with the highest honors the Army bestows.When he got out of active service, Fred returned to Hartwick College and graduated cum lade with a BA degree and qualified to teach Art and English. In 1946, he began teaching high school art and coaching football. After taking courses at night in New York City, he received his Master’s Degree in Art Education from New York University. After a successful career as a high school art teacher, head of the art department and Assistant Principal, he retired from education in 1979.
He moved to Camano Island in 1987 and began pursuing his art on a full-time basis, exhibiting in shows, winning awards, and being represented by Karla Matzke in her Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park. He was a long-time member of the Camano Arts Association, creating and printing his art until the end of his life. Fred’s mediums included painting, sculpture, serigraphy, ceramics, leather, pen and ink, pastel and watercolor; however, his true love was printmaking: creating and printing block prints and etchings.
On May 31st, we will show examples of his art on the main floor of the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, curated by his widow and fellow artist, Mary Pilkington. There will also be an exhibit of his wartime combat experience. The Floyd will be open from 12-1 and 2-3, before and after our Memorial Day Ceremony which will be outside.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood, United States