The Samford University Art Gallery will host four shows highlighting the work of alumni along with several student events during the 2016–17 season.
Gallery Director Robyn Snyder said, “By having these artists exhibit their art in the Samford Art Gallery, we are not only exposing the students and Samford community to exceptional art and artists, but also reflecting the fact that these artists’ roots came from experiences and knowledge gained at Samford.”
The first exhibition, Past and Present: Art by Mary Ann Culotta, will take place Sept. 1–29 and features the work of adjunct professor Mary Culotta. Her paintings often include an eclectic mix of media. Culotta, a 1971 graduate, has been part of the Samford arts community for more than 40 years. A reception with Culotta is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 13.
In October and November, Cliff Bell’s photography will be on display. A 2010 business school graduate, Bell has used his camera to document his extensive travels and has exhibited his work in several art shows. His images have been publicized and shared through social media by various tourism boards, including the state of Georgia and Brand USA, which is a public/private partnership focused on generating interest in international travel to the United States.
A reception with Bell is scheduled for Nov. 10, 4–6 p.m., during Samford’s homecoming weekend.
The graduating senior art exhibit is Dec. 12–17, when graduating students display their senior projects for public and professional review.
Michael Aaron Williams, a 2011 graduate, will exhibit his from Jan. 24–Feb. 23 with an artist reception Jan. 24, 4–6 p.m. His art has been shown extensively in this country and abroad. His works include coffee and ink paintings as well sculpture and street art. This exhibition will highlight coffee paintings on century-old ledger paper, providing “a very authentic historical context, and the natural coffee tones melt into the paper’s history,” according to Williams.
Mixed Media Art by Sara Cannon will be on display March 1–24. Cannon’s art explores geometric patterns with bright imagery. Her passion for form, design and color is reflected in her work, Snyder noted. Cannon earned a degree in graphic design in 2005. The artist reception is March 1, 4–6 p.m.
In April, the Annual Juried Student Art Show sponsored by Samford Arts patrons Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman of Birmingham will feature students’ art submitted for juror selection. Scholastic and art awards will be presented at an April 27 reception.
The Samford Art Gallery is located in Swearingen Hall and is open 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday. Admission is free.
Ashley Smith is marketing and communication coordinator for Samford Arts.
