Established on 10.25.2017 by Joyce Beck and Carolyn Glesne '74
Charles Nelson Beck was born in Fergus Falls, MN on January 31, 1923. In 1941, Beck enrolled at Concordia College where he experienced his first formal art training under the guidance of Cyrus Running. Beck played both football and basketball for the Cobbers and was the art editor for the Concordia student newspaper. From 1943 to 1945, Beck served as a pilot in the Naval Air Force and then returned to Concordia to complete his art degree in 1948. Beck married Joyce Hagge in 1948 and then studied at the University of Iowa where he completed his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1950.
After returning to Fergus Falls, Beck supported himself as a sign painter while continuing to produce art. During the 1950’s, he also studied at the University of Minnesota and the Art Institute in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. From 1960 to 1987, he taught art courses at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls, MN while continuing to create his own artwork. Beck was a well-known Midwestern artist whose artwork is displayed throughout the United States. He worked in oils and watercolors and developed a unique method and style of woodblock printing. Beck also produced numerous wooden bird forms.
For many years, he and his wife, Joyce, operated a gallery in their home where Beck’s work was displayed. In 2009, the Kaddatz Galleries in downtown Fergus Falls was established as a permanent place for Beck’s work to be exhibited. In 1978, Beck was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Concordia College. Beck’s three children, Karl, Carolyn, and Paul are all Concordia graduates. Charles Beck died in September, 2017. His wife, Joyce, lives in Fergus Falls. The Beck family members are grateful for their close connection to Concordia College and Mr. Beck was instrumental in establishing this scholarship just before his death.
The Charles and Joyce Endowed Art Scholarship is awarded by the Office of Financial Aid on an annual basis to juniors or seniors majoring in art. Selection is based on scholastic achievement.