Coloring book designed by Lee education professor, illustrates Polk County history
Education Professor Dr. William Kamm has designed a free coloring book inspired by the quilts of Polk County.
Courtesy of Grace Green
Polk County's history just became a little more colorful.
Dr. William A. Kamm, professor of education, was commissioned by Lee University to create an interactive coloring book titled “Art in the Air: Capturing Color in Quilts of Polk County, TN.” This is the second coloring book that he's designed.
Sketched in black and white, each page contains a picture of a quilt painting.
Kamm shared the inspiration behind his design with Lee Clarion.
“The information included with each quilt pattern is intended to provide more details, to enjoy discovering our portion of eastern Tennessee and learning about its history," Kamm said. "My goal is to help people explore Polk County with a purpose."
Dr. William Estes, dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education, reflected on Kamm as an individual and on the impact he seeks to make with his creativity.
“I know Bill Kamm the teacher. I know Bill Kamm the professor. I know Bill Kamm the colleague," Estes said. "I get to know Bill the artist, and I see him give away his art and use it for greater good, always.”
In the summer of 2017, Kamm and a group of Lee students traveled to New Zealand for a Global Perspectives trip. As a memoir, Kamm designed a picture that would eventually be distributed to the students with whom he traveled.
Kimberly Fawley, a senior elementary education major, shared how Kamm’s artwork has personally impacted her.
“It’s obvious he uses his art for the greater good and to show people how much he really cares,” Fawley said.
The southeastern parts of the United States have witnessed much of his artistic career. From private collections to black and white sketches of public buildings, Kamm continues to expand his repertoire of talent and art pieces.
Although his focus is education, art will always remain a passion for Kamm. He contemplates how passion and career can intersect.
“When I think in terms of a career, I think this is what you’re paid for. When I think in terms of a calling, I think this is what you’re made for,” Kamm said. “And when a calling and a career intersect, that’s when life gets exciting."
Kamm's first coloring book was released in August. People can request it from the Polk County Chamber of Commerce for no charge.
Editorial Note: An earlier version of this article said the coloring book, commissioned by Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, centered around Cleveland history.
