Fred R Allen Allen:  

I have had an incredible life. While working at Granite City Steel, I was told to report to the personal office . I asked why. Several of my co- workers said it was probably because I was to be reprimanded. When I arrived there and asked why they wanted to see me, saying, " Did I do something wrong? They said," No, we want you to be tested because we think you are college material, The test found that i had artistic abilities . i enrolled at SIU in Alton, graduated In 1963, and was hired to teach elementary art in Ladue, Missouri, one of Missouri's wealthiest school systems. In 1965, I enrolled at Illinois State University where I received my first Masters degree. I enrolled at SIUE in their Master of Fine Arts program in 1968 and also taught there one year while I received the first Master of Fine Arts degree given by SIUE. I moved to Kirkwood, Missouri and taught at Meramec Community College for 33 years as Professor of art. I retired in 2003, and opened a pottery studio in Old Town, St. Charles. I coached CYC basketball, and coached baseball for 10 years as well as served on several Athletic Association boards. I was also very active in the art community, and my potter...Expand for more