MONMOUTH – Retired art professor Dan Cannon has made a $100,000 endowed gift in support of Western Oregon University's Campbell Hall Gallery. In recognition of this gift and the many contributions Cannon has made to the arts programs of WOU, the gallery will now be called the Dan and Gail Cannon Gallery of Art.

Cannon, a teacher, art historian, and accomplished artist, is also a partner in the River Gallery in Independence. He retired from WOU in 1994, but continues to be an active member and leader in university programs such as the Smith Fine Arts Series and Emeritus Society.

“Some people are born out of season; they belong to another time,” former colleague and retired professor of history, Gary Huxford wrote of Cannon. “Dan Cannon is one such. He should have walked the earth in an age of grace and elegance, when wealthy patrons endowed the talented to dance, sing, and create lovely things….He is on this earth to give people profound joy.”

Dan and Gail Cannon moved to Monmouth, Oregon, in 1967, when he was named chair of the Art Department at what was then known as Oregon College of Education.

He was raised in Seattle, Washington, where he and his wife, Gail, met. His post-graduate education began at California College of Arts and Crafts, and then continued at Cornish School of Art in Seattle. His studies were interrupted when he was called into service during the Korean War.

After his Army service, Cannon returned to Seattle and the University of Washington, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in art education. He went on to teach in the university’s art program. From there, he was offered a teaching position at San Jose State and eventually earned a doctorate from Stanford University.

He gives Gail credit for taking the lead on caring for their growing family—eventually consisting of four girls, Casey, Paige, Erinn, and Kelli--while he taught and earned his academic credentials. Gail died in 1997.

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