Category: MFA Exhibits

After spending two decades raising her family and serving her community, Fleming Markel ’98 embarked on a new chapter by pursuing her passion for visual art. Accepted into Clemson University’s graduate visual art program, Markel defied expectations by earning her Master of Fine Arts degree just before age 50.

“At Clemson, I was presented with challenges and constructive criticism but also with encouragement,” she recalled. “Under the mentorship of an amazing faculty, I completed my MFA just before my fiftieth birthday. I was given my chance.”

Today, as the Director of Galleries at Greenville Technical College (GTC) in Greenville, S.C, Markel pays forward the support she received by guiding aspiring artists, particularly non-traditional visual art undergraduates hungry for opportunity. Even with shifts in the art faculty since her graduation 26 years ago, Markel affirms the program’s continued supportive atmosphere.

“Even though the Clemson art faculty has completely changed, the warmth and encouragement continue,” she affirmed. “I can recommend the Clemson Art Department to GTC transfer students, confident that they too will get their chance.”

Markel’s recent work includes a traveling solo exhibition, “Pent-up Pink,” which challenges entrenched notions of gender identity and cultural stereotypes. Through her art, she interrogates the pervasive influence of consumerism, language, and gender norms on our daily lives. 

Drawing inspiration from everyday life in the South, Markel explores the “defining prescriptions” ingrained in girls and women from birth. 

“I think that many of our culture’s prescriptive myths are perpetuated by marketing, advertising and packaging,” she explained.

Fleming Markel’s thought-provoking artwork serves as a beacon for societal evolution, confronting deeply rooted norms and urging critical introspection. By recontextualizing objects traditionally associated with femininity, Markel challenges stereotypes and invites a dialogue about the narratives they perpetuate. Her impact underscores the truth that the quest for knowledge is a lifelong endeavor.

Markel’s sculpture work is part of the “As Good As Gold: 50 Years of the MFA at Clemson” Part III exhibition and can be viewed in the Lee Gallery until Mar. 8.

About the Clemson MFA Program 

Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months. 

The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.

Winston Wingo, ’80, an alumnus of Clemson University’s MFA program, has created sculptures that span borders, resonating with audiences across the United States, Canada, France, and Italy with over 40 solo exhibitions and participation in over 200 group competitions and invitational exhibitions.

He traces the roots of his connection with art back to his childhood. 

“My interest and passion for art began as a small child,” Wingo reflected, acknowledging the formative impact of his elementary school years. “The support and encouragement from my teachers planted the seeds of creativity within me.”

However, it was during his junior high school days that Wingo’s fascination with sculpture took root and grew with the guidance of his mentor, Brooks Huggins. 

“Mr. Huggins introduced me to sculpture,” Wingo recalled with fondness. “His bronze sculptures, proudly displayed in our classroom, ignited a fire within me, a passion for sculpting that continues to burn brightly to this day.”

The decision to pursue his MFA at Clemson University was influenced by a pivotal encounter during his junior high years. 

“In 1970, I visited the School of Architecture at Clemson University to meet sculptor and art department chair John Acorn,” Wingo recounts. “His reputation preceded him, and I was captivated by his work showcased in various publications.” 

The vibrant artistic community at Clemson, coupled with the mentorship of John Acorn, solidified Wingo’s decision to embark on a journey of advanced graduate studies in studio fine arts.

Looking back on his accomplishments after graduation, Wingo’s artistic impact has reached across continents.

“Following my time at Clemson, I pursued postgraduate studies at Instituto Statute d’Arte, Italy,” Wingo said. “Subsequent travels and explorations led me to bronze foundries in Tuscany, Italy, where I honed my craft.” 

Wingo’s commitment to fostering creativity as an artist and educator remains unwavering. 

“I’ve had the privilege of teaching art at undergraduate and graduate levels in South Carolina,” Wingo said. “My studio serves as a sanctuary for artistic exploration, where I continue to create and innovate.”

In his Spartanburg studio, Wingo delves into the complexities of contemporary African American social and cultural narratives. 

“My ongoing work reflects the intersections between science, technology, art, and humanity,” Wingo explains. “It’s a commentary on the dynamic forces shaping our world and a testament to the power of art to provoke thought and evoke emotion.”

Winston Wingo’s artistic path, from humble beginnings through Clemson’s MFA Program to international acclaim, continues to demonstrate how his artistry transcends boundaries.

Wingo’s sculpture work is part of the “As Good As Gold: 50 Years of the MFA at Clemson” Part III exhibition and can be viewed in the Lee Gallery until Mar. 8.

About the Clemson MFA Program 

Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months. 

The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.

Deighton Abrams’ ’16 artistic journey has taken him coast-to-coast, from his upbringing in Alaska to his recent endeavors as an instructor within the renowned ceramics program at Harvard University.

“I come from a very creative family,” he reminisced, “so making and enjoying art in its many forms has been a constant throughout my life.” 

His mother’s gift for crafting and his father’s literary pursuits provided fuel for Abrams’ artistic inclinations. 

“Initially studying to become an illustrator, I found my love of ceramics late in my undergraduate degree, and it completely changed my artistic trajectory,” he recounted.

His decision to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree led him to Clemson University, a choice shaped by both academic aspirations and personal connections. 

“Following my partner, who was accepted into Clemson’s astrophysics Ph.D. program, I visited the Art Department knowing little about the program, but eager to be challenged,” he explained.

Under the tutelage of mentors like Department Chair and Professor in Ceramics Valerie Zimany, Abrams honed his practice and expanded his artistic horizons. 

“The dedication and mentoring of my advisor broadened my view of the art world and sharpened my research skills,” he reflected.

Post-graduation, Abrams began navigating residencies, teaching engagements, and immersive studio explorations. His tenure at STARworks in Star, N.C., further enriched his studio practice.

“I was lucky to jump into a ceramics residency at STARworks, which furthered the expansion of my studio skills and gave me an even wider view of the state of clay in the art world,” he noted.

He has shown work nationally and internationally, including at the International Ceramic Symposium and Art Education Exchange Program, at a member Exhibition in Yixing, China and at ArtFields in Lake City, S.C., where he won a Merit Award for sculpture. With stints at institutions like Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. and Greenville Technical College in Greenville, teaching became a cornerstone of Abrams’ artistic path. His return to Clemson University, albeit briefly, to lead the General Education Art Appreciation course remains a cherished highlight. 

Abrams currently lives in Boston, continuing to teach ceramics at community centers and universities, including Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Lesley University.

Recently, he completed a two-year residency at the ceramics program at Harvard University. His extensive teaching resume underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artistic talent.

Within his studio at Harvard’s ceramics program, Abrams embarks on a new artistic path by creating sculptural narratives. 

“I am exploring a new body of sculptural work,” he said, “combining representational ceramic forms, abstracted landscapes, illustrated porcelain pottery and raw building materials.” 

His latest series of porcelain urns reflects his commitment to environmental issues, blending beauty with meaning.

Abrams’ ceramic work is part of the “As Good As Gold: 50 Years of the MFA at Clemson” Part III exhibition and can be viewed in the Lee Gallery until Mar. 8.

About the Clemson MFA Program 

Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months. 

The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.

The lives of Clemson University MFA alumni Kat Hutter ’06 and Roger Lee ’07 have created a mosaic of personal and professional growth.

Hutter, with roots in the Midwest, and Lee, a Californian at heart, found themselves on a transformative journey through the Clemson MFA program. Their shared thirst for new environments and diverse perspectives brought them together as students, laying the foundation for a partnership that extends beyond canvas borders. As artists and proud owners of K+R Paint and Clay, Inc., they seamlessly navigate between the vibrant energy of Los Angeles, C.A., and the tranquil landscapes of Fond du Lac, W.I.

Choosing Clemson

Hutter and Lee echo a sentiment of gratitude when asked about their choice of Clemson for their MFA degree. 

“The MFA graduate program at Clemson University granted each of us a fellowship and the opportunity to teach college-level courses,” Lee said. 

Hutter added, “We met at Clemson, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Reflecting on their journey, the duo credits the Clemson Art faculty for shaping their careers. 

“The Clemson Art faculty are all professional artists still practicing in their fields,” Hutter noted. 

“They are an inspiration to any artist pursuing a professional career,” Lee added. “They provided a rigorous and nurturing learning experience that prepared us to go out and continue the work.”

Sustaining artistic integrity

The duo’s venture into entrepreneurship with K+R Paint and Clay, Inc. has been transformative. 

“Creating a business has strengthened our drive to continue this work,” Hutter reflects. 

Lee emphasizes, “Being an artist is our profession. The business is how we keep our practice going. It’s an investment in ourselves and the integrity of our work.”

Advice for emerging artists

For aspiring artists, Hutter and Lee offer insightful advice. “Art is an expression of the individual, the artist,” Hutter said. 

Lee encouraged artists to be patient. “It’s a career that invests in yourself, so take the time to make your own experiences and pave a path for opportunities that will shape your career,” he said. “Work hard and try to think of it more as a marathon than a sprint.”

As Hutter and Lee continue to mold the clay of their lives, their artistic partnership is fueled by passion, perseverance and a continuous journey of harmonious experiences.

Hutter and Roger’s ceramic work is part of the “As Good As Gold: 50 Years of the MFA at Clemson” Part III exhibition and can be viewed in the Lee Gallery until Mar. 8.

About the Clemson MFA Program 

Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months. 

The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.

Clemson Master of Fine Arts (MFA) alumnus Jerry Gorman’s ’83 journey from road construction in Lordsburg, N.M., to accomplished fine arts painter is a story of passion, determination and uncertainty.

Before going to college, Gorman took a job working in road construction. But while watching the sun’s vibrant hues during evenings with the bridge crew, he made a life-altering decision to pursue art formally. In August 1972, Gorman’ enrolled at New Mexico State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1976.

Prompted by a move by his girlfriend after college, Gorman enrolled at Clemson University to earn his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Here, he connected with John Acorn, former head of the Art Department. The prospect of studying in Genoa, Italy, further fueled Gorman’s decision to join Clemson’s MFA program.

Career at Sandia National Labs
Post-graduation, Gorman began a career at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque.

“In 1983, Sandia National Labs was one of three nuclear weapons think tanks in the United States,” Gorman said. “My clients consisted of American Presidents, Congress, international foreign governments, engineers, scientists, physicists, and local and state government officials.”

Over 25 years, he held roles ranging from Technical Color Illustrator to Art Director/Project Manager, leaving an indelible mark. Simultaneously, Gorman explored the world of fine arts, exhibiting in galleries and achieving success as a Principal Member of the laboratory staff.

Retirement and Beyond
Retirement opened a new chapter for Gorman, now immersed in his studio for an upcoming exhibition at Goldenstein Art in Sedona, Arizona. Inspired by the Oak Creek Canyon National Park’s beauty, his paintings come alive. Three sketchbooks offer a glimpse into his creative mind, with roots in Genoa and playful animations in a digital sketchbook.

As Gorman captivates audiences with vibrant artwork, his journey from construction to artistic prominence is a testament to the transformative power of art.

About the Clemson MFA Program
Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program is celebrating a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months.

The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.

CLEMSON – The Clemson Visual Arts at Clemson University is set to celebrate artistic excellence with a series of fall showcases featuring a diverse array of compelling student exhibitions. The public is invited to witness the exceptional work of rising art undergraduates showcased in various exhibits, including the highly anticipated Annual Ceramic Bowl Sale. Notable highlights encompass the unveiling of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) senior works and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) thesis exhibits, symbolizing the culmination of extensive research endeavors.

Art Sale

Annual Ceramic Studio Bowl Sale

Date & Time: Wednesday, Nov. 15, Noon-5 p.m.
Location: Lee Gallery Hallway
Art enthusiasts can purchase bowls from Clemson Ceramics Association student members, with a vast selection of functional works offered at various price points. Proceeds will support student scholarships and travel to the National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts Conference. Light refreshments will be provided with each purchase.

Exhibitions

Undergraduate Drawings of the Upstate Juried Art Exhibition

Date & Time: Nov. 6 – Dec. 14, M–F, 1–5 p.m.
Reception: Friday, Nov. 10, 5:30–6:45 p.m.
Location: Brooks Center for the Performing Arts – Lobby Area
The exhibition showcases the foundational role of drawing in artistic development, recognizing the vulnerable yet limitless nature of this medium. It fosters camaraderie within the regional artistic community and allows undergraduates to professionally showcase their work.

The BFA Senior Art Exhibit

Date & Time: Nov. 13–30, M–F, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Artist Talk & Reception: Thursday, Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Location: Acorn Gallery
The Lee Gallery hosts the “Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibit,” featuring the final creative research of graduating students. This fall, the exhibit spotlights Sydnay Greene’s senior drawing.

The MFA Thesis Art Exhibit

Date & Time: Nov. 13–30, M–F, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Artist Talks & Reception: Friday, Nov. 17, 5–7 p.m.
Location: Lee Gallery
“Underlying Patterns” is a two-person MFA Thesis Exhibit by Emily Collins and Nicole Weldy, exploring hierarchical relationships and the tangible experience of the unseen. The exhibition provides a space for healing and growth.

Ink Travels: MFA Alumni Selections Art Exhibition

Date & Time: On display-Apr. 12
Location: Cooper Library, Fourth Floor
This print exchange between Clemson alumni honors Sydney A. Cross and celebrates the wide-reaching influence of Syd as a teacher and mentor. The exhibition features selected works from MFA alumni.

Alumni Works Art Exhibition

Date & Time: On display-Apr. 18
Location: CAH Dean’s Gallery in Strode Tower
“Alumni Works” showcases MFA and BFA works created by artists during their enrollment at Clemson University, featuring photography, drawing, printmaking, and painting.

Harvey Gantt Curriculum Vitae Art Exhibition

Date & Time: On display – Nov. 17
Location: Sikes Hall Showcase, Ground Floor
This exhibition, based on research conducted through an independent study, showcases the curriculum vitae of Harvey Gantt. It includes photographs taken by Cecile Williams and a graphic created by Gregg Ussery.

END

Clemson Visual Arts at Clemson University

Clemson University, honoring Thomas Green Clemson’s vision, incorporates art throughout its facilities. Visitors are encouraged to engage with Clemson Visual Arts by exploring gallery spaces, public art, and attending special events. Exhibitions and events are made possible through generous support to the Center for Visual Arts.

For more information and the full event calendar, visit clemson.edu/art.

Exhibitions, artist talks, and receptions are free to the public, thanks to the generous support given to the Center for Visual Arts. To support Clemson Visual Arts, visit clemson.edu/caac/academics/art/about-us/giving.html.

Jay King

March 1 – 11, 2021

Lee Gallery, Clemson University

Virtual Artist Presentations – Monday, March 8, 5:30 p.m. Contact visualarts@clemson.edu to reserve your spot for this virtual presentation.

The Rudolph E. Lee Gallery at Clemson University, Clemson, SC presents The Self Outside, an MFA Thesis Exhibition showcasing drawings by Lori Brook Johnson and sculptures by Ashley Felder. The exhibit runs from March 1 through March 11. When shown together, these two artists’ work presents an existential lens through which the space within and without the self may be observed.

Lori Brook Johnson, was born in West Virginia and received her Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of North Carolina, Asheville. Her drawings place together moving parts of the past through layers of watercolor, graphite, charcoal, and pastel mediums. Often beginning with an archaeological type dig through digital collections, the references for Johnson’s work – anything from a painting to a novel or a stranger’s home movie from the 1960s – emerge the figures desire to share their stories. She spends time with the individuals in the archives she finds, pausing to ponder and look with a desire to resurrect, celebrate, and introduce audiences to the experiences of people who we otherwise would never meet.

Johnson’s drawings ask you to spend time with the figures. Coming from a research-oriented artist’s perspective, these drawings ponder our commitments to the past and stories that make us human. In one of her larger drawings, The Breaker Boys, the viewer must pause and spend a moment looking at the many faces of the young coal-mining workers who match your gaze. She pays close attention to fabric and clothing, as well as subtle tone changes in the faces of her figures. The artist states, “the goal for the drawings is to question in all the lives that had to be lived if the drawings can resurrect a touch and continue one that may never have existed.”

Sculptor Ashley Felder received her BFA from Winthrop University. Her work is an immediate response to the beauty of nature, the draw to be immersed in it, and her desire to understand something about it.

Felder invites the viewer to join her in meditating on the effects of time and the subtle metamorphosis of our landscape and natural environment. She investigates identity by utilizing the traditionally feminine craft of quilting, stitching, and crocheting using fibers treated with alternative photography methods. Felder states that she “searches for the self with subtle imagery through a use of natural dyes made from harvested materials, stitching together leaves and other natural materials, using photography to capture ephemeral earthworks.”

Both Johnson and Felder are process oriented artists with a desire to better understand their place within our cyclical surroundings. The artists both depict interest in elevating quiet moments with individuals and nature to capture traditionally ephemeral moments. We invite the viewers to join in stepping in to ponder these transitory experiences. By Kat Eaves, BFA Printmaking Senior.

Lee Gallery remains committed to providing quality exhibitions while addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Clemson University guidelines, the Lee Gallery is currently closed to the general public. However, the Gallery is open for visits by students, faculty, and staff of Clemson University. Images from the exhibition can be viewed by accessing the Clemson Visual Arts Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Article by BFA student, Kat Eaves ’21

About the Art Galleries at Clemson University

Campus galleries and showcase spaces include Lee Gallery in Lee Hall, the Acorn Gallery in Lee Hall II, College of Architecture Arts and Humanities Dean’s Gallery in Strode Tower, the lobby showcase at Brooks Center for Performing Arts, and in Sikes Hall on the ground floor.

The Rudolph E. Lee Gallery showcases regional, national, and international artists exploring a broad range of ideas, materials, and creative processes. In partnership with academic programs and university initiatives, the Lee Gallery develops exhibitions that examine contemporary issues and prompt discourse.