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Women Artists in the Drury University Art Collection

Joyce Bonacker

Dream Singers

Dream Singers

Joyce Sybil McGee Bonacker (American, 1932-1995)

Joyce Bonacker was part of the Drury College Art Department from 1979 until her death in 1995.  Starting as the administrative assistant, she earned her Bachelor of Art and Art History degree from Drury before leaving to earn an MFA from Southern Illinois University in 1983.  She returned to Drury and taught drawing, painting, design, and art history until the end of her life.  She was a prolific painter throughout her career.

Bonacker was an active member of the regional art community, acting as jurist for various local exhibitions, acting director of the Park Central Art Gallery, and teaching at the Springfield Art Museum. She was on the board of directors for the Springfield Visual Arts Alliance from 1987-1990, and the Southwest Missouri Indian Center in Springfield from 1987-1993. She was a member of the Springfield Area Arts Council, College Art Association and American Association of University Professors.

Bonacker was born in 1932 in Jerseyville, Illinois.