Category: Uncategorized

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.

In the heart of Clemson, South Carolina, the Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM) showcases “Where I’m From,” an art exhibition that provokes thought and deep reflection by Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) alumna Felicia Gibbs Greenlee ’93. This compelling showcase offers a unique visual exploration of Southern upbringing, unveiling unnoticed aspects of life.

The Opening Reception on December 27 marked the commencement of the exhibition, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in Greenlee’s artwork that catalyzed her storytelling. The fusion of art and narrative layers reveals the South’s often-overlooked share of her unspoken truths.

Reflecting on her Southern roots, Greenlee said, “As I grew up here in the South, I noticed things that no one else seemed to notice and no one seemed to talk about. This feeling stayed with me throughout my life, and I felt compelled to share it in my work. The ‘Where I’m From’ Art Exhibition represents how I see America.”

Her wood collages pay homage to the resilience of the African American community, employing elements like chains and the American flag in abstract and figurative forms.

Originally from Philadelphia, Greenlee’s relocation to Seneca, S.C., at the age of eight marked the beginning of her artistic journey. After earning her BFA in 1993 from Clemson University, she pursued a career as a textile designer while nurturing her unwavering passion for art.

Visitors are invited to explore the profound narrative within “Where I’m From,” providing a unique opportunity to engage with Greenlee’s observations and experiences. The exhibition runs until May 23, with gallery hours from Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., located at 214 Butler Street in Clemson. 

Greenlee’s interview with Clemson News has been edited for length and clarity.

Clemson News: What made you pursue a BFA degree at Clemson University?

Felicia Gibbs Greenlee: Several relatives worked at Clemson University, as well as my mother, now retired after 31 years. She would take my older brother and me to plays and other events on campus. My brother and I would explore the campus, and I put it out into the universe that I would attend Clemson University one day.

CN: When did you begin creating in wood?

FGG: In 1995, I received an opportunity to exhibit my work. All the pieces in the show were from my college years as a BFA student at Clemson University. During the show, I realized the few pieces I liked were those done in wood. After that show, I decided to focus on creating wood pieces. I took a departure from traditional canvas painting, but I continued drawing. 

CN: What is your inspiration for the exhibition?

Good Times inspired me to become an artist. The television program led me to believe that the world saw me. As I got older, I noticed that the world did not see me at all. My ancestors and culture are absent from the history books and museums. The world did not think I would notice.

FGG: As a young girl, I was first introduced to art on the 70’s television show Good Times. I only watched the closing credits to see the camera pan over the painting “Sugar Shack” by Ernie Barnes. The figures in his painting seemed to come alive and move to the sounds of the music. After a couple of episodes, I realized there were more paintings revealed, and I began watching the entire show. 

Associate Professor of Art Todd Anderson has garnered national recognition with the inclusion of his exceptional woodcut print of Andrews Glacier in the inaugural Art x Climate gallery released by the White House as part of the Fifth National Climate Assessment. 

Anderson’s artwork, a testament to his commitment to environmental awareness, forms a pivotal component of a broader project dedicated to documenting the last remaining glaciers of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.  

The Last Glacier

In response to the honor of being featured in the project, Anderson expressed his gratitude and commitment to using art as a medium for environmental advocacy.

“I am humbled to have my woodcut print of Andrews Glacier included in the Art x Climate gallery as part of the Fifth National Climate Assessment,” Anderson said. “Art has the power to evoke emotion, attune and drive discussions. The artwork in the ‘Art x Climate’ comes from a larger cross-disciplinary project I worked on with fellow artists Bruce Crownover and Ian van Coller, and the writer Jeff Rennicke.”

He added, “As four creatives, our intent was to document Rocky Mountain National Park’s last seven glaciers and, in our own small ways, help frame the larger climate crisis. It is extremely gratifying to see some of that work extend itself into national conversations.” 

The “Art x Climate” initiative, spearheaded by the White House, aims to amplify the intersection of art and climate change. It recognizes artists like Anderson, who use their creative prowess to convey our world’s pressing environmental issues.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNt_40OwZGI

Anderson’s dedication to capturing the essence of Andrews Glacier and its significance in the broader context of climate change has resonated with audiences and experts alike. The White House’s selection of his work for the “Art x Climate” gallery underscores the profound impact of art in communicating the urgency of environmental preservation. As the Fifth National Climate Assessment unfolds, Anderson’s woodcut print is a testament to the importance of confronting climate change and preserving our natural wonders for future generations. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rEyEyv9svE&t=3s

We’re excited to share the news that Art Faculty, Joey Manson has been selected for the inaugural class of Creative Inquiry (CI) Faculty Fellows. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Joey’s dedication to academic excellence and commitment to advancing the Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research program.

As a sculptor with a profound interest in public and outdoor art, Joey brings a unique perspective to the College of Architecture, Art, and Construction. Having earned an MFA from Alfred University, Alfred, N.Y. in 1996, Joey joined the Department of Art at Clemson University in 2002, bringing a wealth of experience from years of living and working in New York City.

Joey’s studio work is characterized by a focus on utilizing industrial materials to depict and abstract the technological and natural environments we inhabit. His studio facilities on a farm near Clemson provide a distinctive blend of art, agriculture, and forestry.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Joey is a CI mentor for a project implementing public art on the Clemson campus each year. He is also involved in a project exploring the fascinating intersection of art and mathematics.

As a CI Faculty Fellow, Joey will play a pivotal role in enhancing and growing the CI program at Clemson University. This includes a comprehensive examination of how CI is integrated into the curricula, its impact on the student experience, its contribution to faculty research productivity, and its role in serving the state.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Joey Manson and look forward to witnessing the positive impact his contributions will have on the CI program at Clemson University.

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.

As the Fall semester approaches, the anticipation for new beginnings fills the air at Clemson University. With the start of classes just around the corner, we take a moment to reflect on the enriching experiences of two Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students who embarked on transformative summer internships. Kailey Nelms ’26 and Julia Shuler ’25, both BFA students, ventured into the world of art beyond the classroom, gaining insights into contemporary art and interior design. Their journeys not only honed their skills but also highlighted the profound impact of art on various aspects of human life.

Kailey Nelms, a talented BFA student, spent her summer in an exhilarating internship alongside the renowned contemporary artist, Dorothy Shain. This opportunity provided Kailey with a firsthand look into the world of a successful artist and the intricacies of managing an art-based business. Immersed in Dorothy Shain’s artistic universe, Kailey contributed to the artist’s marketing efforts through social media initiatives, fostering connections with potential clients. Beyond the studio, Kailey’s experience illuminated how art seamlessly intertwines with the realm of ‘for the home’ design and collaborates with national magazines and businesses. This exposure expanded Kailey’s artistic horizons, transforming her perception of the creative field.

Reflecting on her journey, Kailey shared, “I’ve been able to help Dorothy design some Mother’s Day cards to assist mothers in need in Greenville. I pitched a collaborative idea to a company now in the pipeline.” Kailey’s internship refined her technical skills and instilled in her a deeper understanding of art’s broader impact on communities.

Another promising BFA student, Julia Shuler undertook an exciting summer internship with the esteemed Michele Johnson Interior Design Firm. Drawing inspiration from travel, fashion, and art, Michele Johnson Interior Design Firm is renowned for its harmonious blend of contemporary style and timeless design. This internship offered Julia an invaluable opportunity to create interiors that resonate with individual client styles. This real-world experience enhanced Julia’s journey as an evolving artist within the Clemson University community.

At the heart of these internships lies a realization of the profound role of art in promoting holistic well-being. Both Kailey and Julia discovered how art can enhance mental health, enrich sensory experiences, and foster connections within society. Through their journeys, they recognized that art extends beyond aesthetics, touching lives on a deeper level.

As the Fall semester commences, the experiences of Kailey Nelms and Julia Shuler stand as a testament to the power of internships in shaping the educational journey of BFA students. Their exposure to the world beyond campus walls has refined their artistic skills and illuminated how art can touch and transform lives. The Clemson University community eagerly anticipates the ripples of inspiration and creativity that Kailey, Julia, and their peers will undoubtedly bring into their classrooms, studios, and beyond.

The Department of Art’s Ceramics studio at Clemson University is presenting World-Fire: A Project Invitation on April 18-22, with the lighting of the Catenary kiln occurring Tuesday, April 18 at 1 p.m.

Zoom, Skype, and other similar platforms have redefined teaching, learning, and general communication considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This access now allows for remote events to be accessible, creating an opportunity for wood firers to share techniques and approaches in real-time.

The kiln firing is under the direction of Art Faculty in Ceramics, John Cummings this year. A community of art faculty, students and alumni have kept wood-firing kilns in the Experimental Forest near the civil engineering research facility for almost 20 years. At the opposite end of an Anagama kiln is a Catenary kiln named after its arched opening, which is somewhat smaller in size.

A Catenary kiln is used for firing ceramics and is known for its energy efficiency and sustainable design. This kiln is built with a curved shape, which allows it to distribute heat more evenly and efficiently than traditional rectangular or square kilns. One of the critical ways a Catenary kiln is considered sustainable and earth-friendly is through its use of renewable energy sources. This kiln can be fired using wood, a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel source that does not produce the same greenhouse gas emissions as fossil fuels.

Additionally, the curved design of the Catenary kiln reduces the amount of energy required to maintain consistent firing temperatures. The curvature of the kiln allows for more even heat distribution, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and energy-intensive cooling and reheating cycles.

The World Fire event allows artists as far away as Taiwan to participate via Skype. While there is no single philosophical view that everyone shares, firing kilns simultaneously around the world involves adopting new perspectives, pursuing creative goals beyond tradition, and engaging in experimentation.

Cummings, a ceramic artist from the Asheville, NC area, obtained a B.S. from the University of Southern Indiana and an M.F.A. from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, M.S. Following his graduate studies, he served as an artist assistant for Jun Kaneko for three years, where he gained expertise in creating extremely large works. He is a Ceramics Art Faculty member at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C.

World-Fire: A Project Invitation Q&A
What kilns will be used by the World Fire participants?
All participants will be using an Anagama kiln except Clemson’s Ceramic Studio will be firing their Catenary kiln.

What is a Catenary kiln?
A Catenary kiln is a type of wood-fired kiln with an arched roof shaped like a catenary curve. The catenary curve is a naturally occurring shape formed when a chain is suspended between two points, creating a strong and self-supporting curve. In the case of a Catenary kiln, the arch provides structural strength to the kiln while also allowing for more even distribution of heat and smoke throughout the chamber. This type of kiln is commonly used in pottery and ceramics to create unique surface effects and finishes on the pieces being fired.

What are the plans for the work that is fired in the Catenary kiln?
Some of the work will be used for end of the year class assignments, while most of the work will be available for sale at the popular annual Spring Ceramic Sale.

When will the Catenary kiln be opened to reveal the work?
The kiln will be opened Monday, April 24, revealing the most recent work of art students, just in time for the Spring Ceramic Sale.

When is the Spring Ceramic Sale?
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Lee Gallery Hallway.

Reference Clemson World Magazine’s “All Fired Up”

 

CLEMSON – The ceramics studio in the Department of Art at Clemson University will hold the Annual Ceramics Bowl Sale from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, in the hallway in front of the Lee Gallery in Lee Hall and the McLure Courtyard.

This long-standing Clemson University tradition was postponed from last year due to the pandemic.

“The bowl sale’s history can be traced back at least 35 years,” said Valerie Zimany, art chair and professor of ceramics. “We look forward to bringing this popular tradition back for our community and the entrepreneurial learning opportunity it provides for our students. We are making a few adjustments to accommodate a healthy environment for our artists and guests to share in and support our students’ creative research endeavors. To this day, it still delights me to discover the ‘history’ of the bowl sale in offices and other locations across Clemson’s campus.”

The one-day sale will utilize the adjacent outdoor McClure Courtyard next to the Lee Gallery to help with the flow of this popular sale.

Through the event, Clemson Ceramics Association student members gain skills in running a creative business and all proceeds support student scholarship and travel to the annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference (NCECA).

“Creating work for the bowl sale is a valuable experience because I manage multiple tasks and I learn how to price my artwork,” said Olivia Hueble, rising BFA senior in Ceramics and Clemson Ceramics Association president, “The sale is important to help us travel to and attend NCECA where we will present student research, attend lectures, learn about internship opportunities and network with ceramic artists. Next spring we will be traveling to California for the conference.”

A large selection of functional work by students and faculty will be on display in a variety of price points. Limited light refreshments will be available, pending University event approvals and COVID-19 recommendations, between noon–1 p.m., with the sale continuing until 5 p.m. The Spring Ceramic Sale will be April 27, 2022.

For additional information, contact the Department of Chair and Professor of Art, Ceramics, Valerie Zimany, vzimany@clemson.edu.