"the neophobic kingdom" exhibit | Jan. 12-Feb. 12, 2026
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the exhibit “the neophobic kingdom” featuring artwork by sculptor Thad Duhigg Jan. 12-Feb. 12. The public is invited to a closing reception on Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibit is open for viewing weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Duhigg’s work critically explores the intersection of tradition and contemporary anxiety. Known for his mastery of bronze casting and his ability to subvert expectations, Duhigg creates sculptural landscapes that challenge viewers to reconsider the narratives shaping our world.
In an era of polarized media and heightened cultural divides, Duhigg’s work asks what fears define us and how do we construct “the other”? His latest series transforms the historically idyllic landscape into a stage for contemporary crises. By depopulating scenes and introducing unsettling elements — a tornado, a bomb crater, a lone raft — Duhigg evokes both vulnerability and resilience.
Bronze, a material long associated with permanence and authority, becomes a vehicle for critique. Here it frames fragility and decline. Elevated on pedestals reminiscent of Romantic-era conventions, these intimate vignettes invite reflection on what — and whose stories — we choose to enshrine.
Duhigg has shared his sculptural expertise with college students for more than three decades and is now a professor of art at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His work has appeared in major venues including Laumeier Sculpture Park, the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts and the Biennale Internazionale dell’Arte Contemporanea in Florence. His sculptures reside in public and private collections across the United States and abroad.
Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum within the James Murray Gallery
The Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum has been in existence since 2004. In 2021, the Trutter Museum was transformed with the goal to maintain the strong name, identity and presence of the Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum, while uniting the Trutter collection with the space that is currently the James Murray Gallery in Menard Hall on LLCC’s main campus. This museum is a tribute to individuals who shared a great love for travel and education. We continue to celebrate a love for learning and the arts in a new location. By reimagining the Trutter Museum, students will have greater access to the collection and it will eventually be incorporated in art history courses. Moving the Trutter Museum to a better, high-traffic area on campus meets the goal to share the collection with students and others who may never get to travel but can travel the world through the Trutter Museum.
Melding the Trutter Museum with the James Murray Gallery reinvigorates and creates excitement about the arts on our campus and in the communities we serve. The museum and gallery features works from the Trutter Collection and pieces by guest artists, students and faculty. Phil Trutter was a student of James Murray. What an incredible connection to share with our students, faculty, staff and community.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are scheduled and coordinated through the LLCC Humanities, Arts, Communication and English, 217-786-2286.
Getting to the museum/gallery
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery is located on the second floor of Menard Hall on LLCC's Springfield campus. View the location of Menard Hall on the campus map.