The Samford Art Gallery was updated over the summer with new display walls, lighting, flooring and a raised ceiling. According to School of the Arts Associate Dean Larry Thompson, “These improvements will dramatically change the feel of the exhibit space in Bonnie Bolding Swearingen Hall and provide a more authentic and professional gallery experience.” The Art Gallery showcases the work of students, alumni, faculty and other acclaimed artists throughout the academic year.
"This will be an exciting year with a diverse mix of artists, ranging from our first show by two Texas-based artists, our new art colleague Lauren Frances Evans, a traveling exhibition from the CIVA organization, to work by students from across the Division of Art and Design," Thompson added.
The 2018-19 John and Marsha Floyd Art and Design Series will open with the husband and wife duo, Debra and Ted Barnes. The complementary exhibit, Heaven’s Gate and Pilgrim’s Progress, will share the works of both of these accomplished artists Aug. 27-Sept. 25.
The Art and Design of Samford’s Faculty follows Oct. 1- Nov. 3 with special gallery hours during the Homecoming weekend. Faculty will present their studio work and offer a glimpse into recent research and professional practices.
The semester closes with exhibitions from students in fine arts, interior architecture and graphic design.
Samford’s newest art faculty member Lauren Frances Evans will be featured Jan. 22-Feb. 21 in her exhibit, Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up. Her art includes sculptures and collages exploring the relationship between flesh and faith.
The Beautiful: An Exhibition by Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA) will be on display March 4-28. This exhibit gathers more than 35 contemporary works of art executed in a variety of media and genres that bear witness to beauty as it appears to us in the complex landscape of contemporary culture.
The spring also features the Annual Student Juried Competition and Show April 8-18 where the students are selected by the faculty and then judged by a professional juror from the community. The juried event is underwritten by Michael H. and Mary Anne Freeman. The year will end with exhibitions highlighting design and art from our graduating seniors. Steve and Debby Heitzke are underwriting the Design Majors Senior Exhibition May 6-11.
The Art Gallery is located in Swearingen Hall and open to the public Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.