Published on August 26, 2019 by Ashley Smith  
Samford Art Gallery BT

Join Samford’s Art Gallery and the John and Marsha Floyd Art and Design Series for a unique cross section of art this year. Guests will encounter diverse exhibits that combine dynamic platforms and mediums. Curated by Samford Arts faculty, the gallery offers an exhibition space for faculty and students as well as guest artists.

According to Gallery Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Art Lauren Frances Evans, “We have made a point this year to bring in a variety of artists from across the region. Each exhibition will radically transform the space, giving viewers an opportunity to engage with art in unique and varied ways.”

The semester opens with Nashville artist Rocky Horton’s show Ecce Homo, Aug. 26-Sept. 24, with a reception and lecture on Sept, 24 from 4-6:30 p.m.  This will be a deeply personal interdisciplinary body of work that relates to his role as an artist, as a father, and as a body in the world.

Samford alumni Micah and Whitney Stansell will display their works Oct. 3-Nov. 9. These artists explore ideas of family history, narrative traditions and binary relationships that pull from contemporary issues influenced by environment and location. The Stansells will be creating an immersive video installation that envelopes viewers in sound and moving image.

Several student exhibitions will complete the fall semester.  Senior fine art students Jourdan Barnett and Rebekah Casagrande will share their capstone portfolios Nov. 18-22 with a talk on Nov. 21. Additionally, graduating seniors will display their work Dec. 9-14 with a reception after commencement on Dec. 14.

In the spring, Alabama artist Pete Schulte will exhibit drawings, sculptures and installations,  Jan. 21-March 6. Work by seniors Braylen Gage and Molly Greene will be featured in the Fine Art Senior Exhibition, March 23-27. Both students will give public artist talks in the gallery during the reception on March 26.

Underwritten by Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman, the Annual Art and Design Student Juried Exhibition April 6-24 will spotlight the best work created by our studio art, graphic design and interior architecture students. Pieces on display are handpicked by Samford’s art and design faculty, and a visiting juror selects award winners. The exhibition culminates in an award and scholarship ceremony on April 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Graduating seniors display their capstone design projects for public review in the Graphic Design Senior Exhibition May 4-9, with a reception to follow Commencement. Thanks to Steve and Debby Heitzke for supporting this show.

Evans noted the importance of having a gallery on campus, “It is my hope and aim that the Samford Art Gallery will continue to grow to be seen amongst the wider Birmingham arts community as a place to experience contemporary art of significance. The programming serves our students by showcasing work that complements their learning across various disciplines while also providing them the unique opportunity to display their own work in a professional gallery in prep for forthcoming off-campus experiences.” 

The Art Gallery is located in Swearingen Hall and is open M-F from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with special hours during Samford event weekends. 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.