John E. “Jack,” Schrader was born in 1935 and was a native of Berlin, Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Lawrence College in Wisconsin and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. In 1962, Schrader joined the faculty at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and served as professor and chair of the art department. One of his greatest accomplishments was spearheading the accreditation of the ETSU Art program with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) in 1983. At the time, it was the only State of Tennessee program accredited by NASAD.

The Artist, Jack Schrader, was best known for his Filmmaking, Photography, and Sculpture. He was a major force in moving the ETSU Department of Art and Design forward during his tenure as chair of the department. Many alumni have distinct, and fond memories of their time under the leadership of Professor Schrader. Schrader's art work is included in the ETSU collections of the Reece Museum and Films and Writings are included in the Archives of Appalachia.

Jack Schrader films resulted in documentary films such as "Gandy Dancers" featuring workers that constructed and maintained the railroad lines among other films. Additionally, joint projects between Thomas Burton and Jack Schrader resulted in films from a partnership that began in the 1970s, when Burton began working with Schrader to produce "They Shall Take Up Serpents," a documentary film on serpent (snake) handling in religious services. They continued their alliance and produced six additional documentaries. 

The Jack Schrader photographs in the collection consist of black and white and color negatives, slides, contact sheets, proofs, and prints. Schrader's work encompasses a variety of subjects and ranges from portraits to candids to landscapes. Images from Schrader's exhibit "Portrait of a Community" and the Sinking Creek Film Festival are included in the collection. Several negatives and prints experiment with different photographic materials and techniques. The collection also includes minimal correspondence.

Jack Schrader was well respected for his integrity by the ETSU faculty and faculty of other institutions as well. Jack Schrader died on November 7, 1993 while serving as Chair of the Department of Art and Design in Johnson City, Tennessee. He has been sorely missed.

Jack Schrader, served as Chair of East Tennessee State University's Department of Art & Design, Faculty from 1962 --19 93'

Untitled II
Jack Schrader, photograph, Reece Museum Collection

Untitled
Jack Schrader, bronze, Reece Museum Collection

Summer #10
Jack Schrader, oil Reece Museum Collection

JOHN E. SCHRADER OBITUARY

of fine arts; he received his master of fine arts from Cranbrook. Mr. Schrader was a member of Holston Valley Unitarian Church. He was the commodore of Cherokee Lake Sailing Club and a member of the Watauga Power Squadron, the N.A.S.A.D. and the NEA, and a past president of the Johnson City Area Arts Council. Survivors include one son, Kevin Schrader, Auburn, Ala.; one daughter, Karla Kaneb, Lexington Mass.; and one brother, Alan Schrader, Chicago.