Many know Robert Zuppke (1879-1957) as Illinois’ longest-serving football coach, whose teams won or tied for four national championships and seven conference championships between 1913 and 1941. But he also was an in-demand motivational speaker, a syndicated sports writer, co-author of a popular sports comic strip and an accomplished and prolific artist.
The University of Illinois Alumni Association is celebrating Robert Zuppke, the artist. Curated from the collections of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, University Archives, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and others, “The Art of Coach Bob Zuppke” exhibition includes more than 20 of his oil paintings, watercolors and sketches. It also features photos and artifacts from the Zuppke era at Illinois.
The exhibit runs until Dec. 23 and is available for viewing whenever the Alice Campbell Alumni Center is open. Center hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon and for two hours before home football games.
