The school district has formally acknowledged Matthew Hawes as the creator of the Central Bear art and corrected the official records. We are verifying that the updated credit is now displayed on all campus materials according to our agreement. This matter is now concluded.
October 21, 2016
Final supporters
Since 1987 Evansville Central High School has used art by former Student Matthew Hawes without having ever publicly acknowledged his contribution, nor having ever given him official credit for the work. Instead, the school and the Evansville Vanderburgh School System has tried to discredit Matthew. This petition is to show support for Matthew's cause to get that recognition and credit. Matthew is not seeking monetary compensation, simply credit where credit has been long overdue. Thank you for your support.
Updates
August 18, 2016
I am currently organizing the documentation of Matthew Hawes' original artwork to present alongside a formal request for a meeting with school board representatives. The administration has not responded to my initial outreach yet but I am preparing a follow up inquiry to ensure our request for public recognition is officially filed.
Reached 100 supporters
August 18, 2016
61 Comments
I graduated with Matt in 1987. I remember what his style of drawing looked like. I can say that the design of the bear that matches his other work at the time. I also remember mutual friends talking about how staff from Central had , picked his design. Years later when I have seen literature or signage that has this same design I recognise it as Matt's work.
He drew the bear, I believe it is wrong to remove the artist signature from any piece of art.
EVSC, I am a 1987 graduate of Central High School and a classmate of Matt Hawes. He was the artist of our class and he deserves recognition for his bear drawing that he did after asked by Mr. Koehler to draw a new bear back in 1987. I challenge the EVSC to do the right thing as you challenge your students and give Matt credit for his drawing that is proudly displaced at CHS and student clothing.
It is deplorable for CHS not stand up and credit the rightful artist. They should be PROUD to endorse and acknowledge one of their own who provided many years of his time supporting his high school with his artwork on various forms. Disappointed in you CHS.
**Class of 1995** I remember seeing this image all over the building back in the 90's. I support Matt and he should get his long overdue recognition.
Give him credit for his work
He deserves this!!!
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The school district has formally acknowledged Matthew Hawes as the creator of the Central Bear art and corrected the official records. We are verifying that the updated credit is now displayed on all campus materials according to our agreement. This matter is now concluded.
October 21, 2016
Final supporters
Since 1987 Evansville Central High School has used art by former Student Matthew Hawes without having ever publicly acknowledged his contribution, nor having ever given him official credit for the work. Instead, the school and the Evansville Vanderburgh School System has tried to discredit Matthew. This petition is to show support for Matthew's cause to get that recognition and credit. Matthew is not seeking monetary compensation, simply credit where credit has been long overdue. Thank you for your support.
Updates
August 18, 2016
I am currently organizing the documentation of Matthew Hawes' original artwork to present alongside a formal request for a meeting with school board representatives. The administration has not responded to my initial outreach yet but I am preparing a follow up inquiry to ensure our request for public recognition is officially filed.
Reached 100 supporters
August 18, 2016
61 Comments
I went to Central. My oldest graduated and my youngest is now going to Cental. I have always been proud to mgr a Central Bear and didn't want anything different for my kids. But I must say this is very upsetting makes me hold my head down in shame. If this is what Central does then what are you teaching our kids. It's just sad!!!
I graduated with Matt in 1987. I remember what his style of drawing looked like. I can say that the design of the bear that matches his other work at the time. I also remember mutual friends talking about how staff from Central had , picked his design. Years later when I have seen literature or signage that has this same design I recognise it as Matt's work.
He drew the bear, I believe it is wrong to remove the artist signature from any piece of art.
EVSC, I am a 1987 graduate of Central High School and a classmate of Matt Hawes. He was the artist of our class and he deserves recognition for his bear drawing that he did after asked by Mr. Koehler to draw a new bear back in 1987. I challenge the EVSC to do the right thing as you challenge your students and give Matt credit for his drawing that is proudly displaced at CHS and student clothing.
It is deplorable for CHS not stand up and credit the rightful artist. They should be PROUD to endorse and acknowledge one of their own who provided many years of his time supporting his high school with his artwork on various forms. Disappointed in you CHS.
**Class of 1995** I remember seeing this image all over the building back in the 90's. I support Matt and he should get his long overdue recognition.
Give him credit for his work
He deserves this!!!
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I went to Central. My oldest graduated and my youngest is now going to Cental. I have always been proud to mgr a Central Bear and didn't want anything different for my kids. But I must say this is very upsetting makes me hold my head down in shame. If this is what Central does then what are you teaching our kids. It's just sad!!!