John F Helm Jr, 1972

Dr. John F. Helm, Jr., emeritus professor of architecture at Kansas State University, well known for his contributions to the appreciation of art in Kansas, March 27, 1972 at Manhattan’s Memorial Hospital where he was taken after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home.

Helm was a member of the KSU faculty from 1924 until his retirement last year.

Helm established the KSU Friends of Art; the KSU fine arts festivals, which have run since 1949; and regional art exhibitions which have been held since 1950; and a Kansas “Rural-Urban Art Program” which has been conducted annually since 1952.

In 1961, Helm was tapped to serve as chairman of the Art Committee for the Kansas State Centennial, and served as executive director of the Kansas State Art Center Foundation and as an art consultant for the Kansas Cultural Arts Commission.

Said Kansas State University President James A. McCain, “No one in the history of Kansas did more than John Helm to cultivate an appreciation of first-rate art or to stimulate creativity among people with artistic talent.  Professor Helm was dedicated as few people have been to this worthy cause.”

He was recognized as an artist of unusual talent.  He not only exhibited widely, but his work also is included in the permanent collections of many educational institutions, plus such places as the Tulsa Art Association, the California State Library and Derby Museum in England.

He was also recognized as a teacher of unusual merit.  When Kansas State University inaugurated its “Distinguished Leadership Series” to recognize outstanding contributions by members of its faculty, Helm was the first man selected for this honor.

But it is in the area of art promotion and appreciation that Helm was best known.  He first became involved in this work in the early depression years, when with Russell I. Thackery, he helped revive the Kansas Magazine and was art editor of the publication for many years.

In 1933, he helped found the Kansas State Federation of Art and for 18 years served as executive director of that organization.  In 1935-36, Helm served as state director of the federal art project for Kansas.

At the time of his retirement, Helm was listed as a professor of design and director of the graduate program in the College of Architecture and Design.  He also lectured widely on art and served on innumerable juries of selection and awards throughout the country.

Helm’s many art contributions have not passed unnoticed.  In addition to his success with his creative work, he received, in 1951, an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg.  In 1953, he was cited by the Kansas State Federation of Art for his two decades of service to that organization.

Helm is survived by his widow, Mary, of the home; a daughter, Mary Pollack, New York City; one grandson; and one brother.