Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery

"Echo" exhibit | Sept. 29-0ct. 31, 2025

The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and attend an artist discussion in the museum/gallery on Thursday, Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m. with the LLCC’s fall 3D class. 

tall/vertical sculpture made from wood, glass and foil

“Echo” brings together sculptures from several bodies of work created while the artist examined the form and function of man-made optical tools. He uses wood, glass and foil printed surfaces to reflect ideas about how we see and understand the world both through science, geometry and cultural perspective. He is interested in how these concepts can connect people across time and cultures, while the work also carries personal meaning for the artist.

The exhibition is arranged so that viewers experience the evolution of these ideas, beginning on the left as they enter the gallery and circling the large centerpiece clockwise. Every work incorporates a “viewfinder” element referencing its original optical model; discovering these “viewfinders” uncover bonus features of the artwork. Spending time with a piece rewards each viewer with a unique experience. Hamamy Toosi encourages the audience to move around the pieces and experience them from different perspectives, to share impressions about identity, culture and perception. Originally from Iran, Hamamy Toosi holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Raja University and has a professional background working in television and set design in Tehran. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sculpture at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He also teaches 3D design classes and works to promote art across the campus. His work has been exhibited in shows around the Midwest.

James S. Murray Gallery, James Murray's signature on glass looking into the gallery

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.