Art created by man killed in Woodstock fire on exhibit at McHenry County College: ‘So much joy in the work’

When word spread through the McHenry County College art community that Douglas “Dougie” Webster was killed in a fire, planning began to honor him at the school.

On Friday, MCC followed through with those plans, installing a memorial exhibit for Webster in the artspace 144 gallery at MCC’s campus in Crystal Lake.

Webster, 54, died Nov. 12 at a Woodstock hospital following his rescue by firefighters from the blaze that swept through a two-story apartment complex on the 700 block of Saint John’s Road.

Webster was a prolific student who took all of the art classes offered at the school, who was known by many in the department and whose work several had in their personal collections. Art instructor Matt Irie and art gallery curator Trever Power “talked about doing a little memorial” to highlight Webster’s work, Power said.

As Webster’s death came near the end of the semester, the two decided to wait until the beginning of the 2025 term to allow more people to see the work, Power said.

“I reached out and got some of his work from three of the current faculty ... and current and former students brought in his work for this show,” Power said.

Since others who knew Webster heard about the exhibit, even more said they’d bring in their work if needed, Power said.

“I think it’s beautiful and really nice that they’re honoring my brother and remembering his work and how he contributed to the students at MCC,” Webster’s sister, Kristen Studley, wrote in a text to the Northwest Herald.

“It’s very touching and means a lot to me and my family. Thank you to whomever took it upon themselves to coordinate this memorial,” Studley added.

The exhibit will remain open through at least Feb. 9 and perhaps longer, depending of more student exhibits are planned, Power said.

Webster’s works, including ceramic masks and oil paintings, “speak to each other,” Power said. “Even though he was working in different mediums, they are not remotely related, but you can feel they are from the same artist.”

Power added: “There is so much joy in the work. The paintings have a lot of color and life. ... They are wonderful pieces.”