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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Unfired ceramics ready for kiln firing
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.
The Clemson Visual Arts (CVA) at Clemson University has seen an outstanding season of events this semester. From artist’s talks to student exhibitions, the CVA calendar has unique and transformative experiences centering on academic learning. Clemson visual art students, faculty and some alumni artwork are on full display in several of the gallery and showcase spaces.
The Lee Gallery kicked off the Fall with the exhibition “Artist Teaching: Teaching Artists,” featuring 15 art faculty. The faculty artwork highlighted recent research and showcased these working artists. The Gallery continued its academic focus by curating two Master of Fine Arts (MFA) thesis exhibitions, “Dirt: Deepening Intentional Rest Tactics” and “Corporeal Consciousness.”
The University community may view upcoming Bachelor of Fine Arts student work in the Lee Gallery, as well as the work of the talented art undergraduate students currently on display through the NextUp Invitational V. The professional artwork of MFA alumna Terry Jarrard-Dimond ’79, titled “Textiles Narratives,” is also on display.
Current Exhibitions
“Natural History/Critical Condition“
Art faculty, Anderson Wrangle’s photography from Natural History/Critical Condition Exhibition.
On display until December 3, 2021.
Available for viewing Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities Dean’s Gallery
“Natural History/Critical Condition” is a visual compendium of cautionary reflection. The artists in the portfolio, present a reflection on the natural environment that unveils a growing list of environmental concerns facing humanity. The exhibition points to ecological disruptions such as ocean acidification, global warming, declines of critical food chains species, melting glaciers, animal extinctions, plastic detritus and deforestation. This exhibit questions the viewer’s capacity and willingness to address the changes taking place and muses on the ability to reconcile the destruction humanity is causing around the globe. It encourages the viewer to take action before conditions progress beyond our ability to take meaningful action.
Participating artists include Lynne Allen, Dale Clifford, Carmon Colangelo, Ashley Colangelo, Syd Cross, Georgia Deal, Maggie Denk, Bill Fisher, Diane Fox, Adele Henderson, Pat Hunsinger, Anita Jung, Cima Katz, Kumi Korf, Robert Lazuka, Pam Longobardi, Angela Oates, Dennis O’Neil, Cynthia Osborne, Andy Rubin, Joe Sanders, Jewel Shaw, Aaron Wilson and Anderson Wrangle.
Organized by Art Faculty in Printmaking Emeritus Sydney A. Cross and sponsored by the Department of Art, Lee Gallery and Clemson Advancement Foundation at Clemson University.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibit
BFA Senior artwork by Katie Carey from Senior Exhibit.
On display November 29 through December 7, 2021.
Available for viewing Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Lee Gallery
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibit showcases works by seniors in the studio disciplines of drawing, painting, printmaking and photography.
The Lee Gallery exhibits the artwork of graduating students enrolled in the Department of Art academic program at the end of each semester. Students must present their final creative research in a professional exhibition and deliver an oral presentation about their work.
The students featured in the exhibit are honored with an Artist Talk and reception which will take place December 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Lee Gallery.
“Textiles Narratives“
Textile artwork by Terry Jarrard-Dimond ’79 from Exhibition.
On display until December 16, 2021.
Available for viewing Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Brooks Center for the Performing Arts Lobby
The Clemson Visual Arts welcomes back MFA alumna Terry Jarrard-Dimond ’79 for a solo exhibition, “Textile Narratives.”
The artworks in this exhibition showcase Dimond’s collection of large-scale geometric compositions using hand-dyed, contemporary textiles.
Dimond’s work has been featured by the Columbia South Carolina Museum of Art in Columbia, S.C. She has artwork in S.C. State Art Collection in Columbia, S.C. She took part in South Carolina Arts Commission’s 50th Anniversary exhibition program and received the commission’s Visual and Craft Fellowship award.
Next Up Invitational V
Woven student artwork from Next Up Invitational V Exhibition.
On Display until April 26, 2022.
Available for viewing Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Sikes Hall Showcase
“NextUp Invitational V”is an exhibition of work selected by the Clemson Curates Creative Inquiry team showcasing twenty-three “up and coming” undergraduate art students enrolled in the Department of Art Bachelor of Fine Arts program. On view are works selected from over 230 submissions to the Foundations Review, which took place during the Spring semester, and includes drawings, painting and ceramics.
Participating artists include Kaitlin Ruth Bellune, Kenneth Chen, Caroline Cherry, Madilyn Davis, Adeline Dewig, Sarah Gassman, Devohn Goodwin, Nicole Hunnewell, Caeli Kearse, Tyler Terrance Myers, Charlotte O’Neil, Jennifer Ramirez, Molly Rembold and James A. Zelano Jr.
Visitors should comply with Clemson University’s current guidance regarding COVID-19. Please visit www.clemson.edu for more information before visiting campus.
For more information about these exhibits, contact Lee Gallery Director Denise Woodward-Detrich at woodwaw@clemson.edu.
Clemson Visual Arts at Clemson University
Students in the Lee Gallery viewing a past exhibition.
The importance of the arts at Clemson University goes back to Thomas Green Clemson’s vision for a “high seminary of learning.” As an accomplished painter, an avid art collector and an arts advocate, Clemson understood the importance of art to our nation and the world. Clemson University continues to carry out his vision by incorporating art throughout its facilities. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the Clemson Visual Arts (CVA) by experiencing the exhibitions in the many gallery and showcase spaces, viewing the public art found all over campus and attending special events. For more information and to access the full calendar of events, please visit www.clemson.edu/caah/departments/art.
Exhibitions, artist talks and receptions are free to the public, thanks in part to the generous support given to the Center for Visual Arts. To join Friends of the Clemson Visual Arts, visit http://www.clemson.edu/caah/departments/art/about/giving.html.
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.
The artwork of Todd Anderson, Associate Professor of Art at Clemson University, will make an appearance on the sets of the new Universal Pictures film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.”
“His work was so beautiful, I loved every single thing about it,” said Lauren Adams Jones, who purchased set decoration for the film. “The somber nature of the pieces was good for the movie, because it does have sort of a somber nature.”
The artwork in the film is from a set of prints Anderson created for the The Last Glacier project, which chronicles the retreat of glaciers in U.S. national parks due to climate change. Along with Old Main Gallery in Bozeman, Montana and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Mezzanine Gallery Store in New York City, Anderson’s work is currently on display at Kai Lin Art in Atlanta, which is where the connection to the movie was made.
“Because Georgia has become the Hollywood—‘Ya’llywood’—of the South, we have been fortunate to work with set decorators and art/prop departments to source, place and clear artworks for film and television,” said Yu-Kai Lin, owner of Kai Lin Art.
Lin said a total of five of Anderson’ pieces were selected for inclusion in the film: one woodcut, two jigsaw reductive woodcuts and two photopolymer gravure works on Japanese washi (paper).
Where to look
When asked about the connection between his art’s subject and the film, Anderson downplayed the connection (“most likely it’s just nice texture and nice colors,” he said). But according to Adams Jones, Anderson’s art was chosen because has a direct connection to the title character.
Left: Anderson’s photopolymer gravure of Moomaw Glacier at Rocky Mountain National Park on display at Kai Lin Gallery. Center: Set photo courtesy of Lauren Adams Jones. Right: Screenshot of a scene from the movie included in the “Only Us” music video. Anderson’s art is visible in the top right corner.
“Evan Hansen is very much into parks and conservation, that’s one of this biggest character points,” she said. “A bunch of the pieces are in Evan’s bedroom, which is really exciting because that’s a major set.” Anderson’s art also appears on the set for the house of the Murphy family, which includes several major characters.
“Because of the actual content of the pieces, it really was just the perfect fit,” Adams Jones said.
Big picture
For Anderson, every opportunity for the art’s exposure serves the purpose of his project, which was motivated by his ongoing research on glacial retreat and the global climate crisis, which began in 2009 at Glacier National Park in Montana.
“Taylor Glacier,” a framed woodcut print on Okawara Washi paper, is one of five pieces of Anderson’s art included in the sets of “Dear Evan Hansen.” Photo courtesy of Kai Lin Art.
When asked about Glacier National Park’s last glaciers, “I learned that indeed these glaciers are going to cease to exist in that park by around 2030, well within my lifetime,” Anderson explained. “I felt not only affected by this, but self-indicted. So that’s when I decided this is what I need to do. I decided to make climate crisis the centerpiece of my work.”
Raising awareness of climate change is the reason behind The Last Glacier project, and that purpose informs and aligns with Anderson’s choice of medium.
“The reason I’m a printmaker is that it’s an egalitarian form of making art,” Anderson said. “It’s more affordable, and then my art goes more quickly out into the world. It’s really a great way of getting your artwork shown in front of a lot of people.”
“Dear Evan Hansen” premieres in theaters September 24. To learn more about the movie, visit https://www.dehmovie.com/.
Jeanet S. Dreskin working on painting. Photos provided
When Greenville artist Jeanet Dreskin was born in New Orleans on September 29, 1921, Warren Harding was president, women’s suffrage was little more than a year old and aviation was a cutting-edge novelty.The world has changed dramatically in the century since, but the one constant in her life has been a soul-deep need to create art.
“I came into this world loving to draw and paint,” Dreskin says. “I’ve never had a time when I wasn’t involved in my art.”
Speaking from the mid-century modern home she and her late husband, Dr. Art Dreskin, built in 1960 in the Stone Lake community off Chick Springs Road, she says she was encouraged from childhood to pursue her artistic passion by her grandparents who raised her from infancy.
In particular, her grandmother, Rena — who was one of the rare women who drove a car in 1921 New Orleans — enrolled Jeanet in art classes in the French Quarter and did everything she could over the years to ensure Dreskin had the skills and opportunity to make art.
“This is part of my soul,” Dreskin says. “This is something I’ve done all my life.”
She says anyone with a passion for creating should keep working at their craft and never give up.
“Keep working,” Dreskin says. “Keep working and do as much as you can.”
Fascinated with science and the natural world, she would eventually train to become a medical illustrator. She illustrated several medical textbooks and children’s books while living in Chicago as her husband completed his medical residency.
Sandy Russ, owner of Hampton III Gallery in Taylors where Dreskin’s work will be on exhibit from July 8-August 21, says Dreskin’s scientific training is evident in her art.
She adds that Dreskin’s eye for detail and fascination with the natural world come through in her paintings and offer a glimpse of her character.
“She’s not painting for the market,” Russ says. “She’s not painting art to sell … she just kind of forged a path. Her influence is just huge in this area.”
That influence began when Dreskin moved to Greenville in 1950. With a growing family, Dreskin pursued her art during the day while her husband worked and her children were at school.
She became involved in the founding days of the Greenville County Art Museum and started an art school when the museum was located in the historic Gassaway Mansion.
Dreskin says her priorities were first to her husband and children and then to her art and is grateful her husband always supported her artistic pursuits.
Jan Dreskin-Haig, one of Dreskin’s four children and herself an artist in Dallas, says her mother’s art and positive attitude are likely reasons she’s had such a long life and made her and her siblings’ upbringing so nurturing.
Dreskin herself is amazed she’ll turn 100 this year.
“I’m still enjoying life,” she says. “I’m still making art. If I’m still breathing, I’m still working.”
For details about Dreskin’s exhibition and to see some of her art, visit hamptoniiigallery.com.
The President’s Leadership Institute is a nine-month leadership development program at that invests, supports and develops personal leadership in a diverse community of faculty and staff. Each year, 25 Clemson University employees are selected to participate in the program.
Valerie Zimany, Art Department Chair, represented the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities in the 2020-2021 leadership cohort. Clemson News caught up with Zimany to learn how her experience in PLI made an impact.
Clemson News: How were you selected for participation in PLI?
Valerie Zimany: I was nominated last year by CAAH Interim Dean Tim Boosinger, and the final cohort is determined by President Clements and his selection committee. I am grateful for the support and encouragement to join the 5th cohort!
CN: What do you think was the No. 1 lesson in leadership you learned from participating in PLI?
VZ: Leadership takes effort and development. It may be perceived as more “natural” to some, but we all can grow our professional capacities with the desire to learn and the opportunity to do so mindfully and with guidance over time. I learned confidence to be a leader, and acceptance that sometimes I may be wrong, but if I surround myself with positive people who care about our organization, we will find the right path to succeed.
One key element that resonated was maintaining a positive outlook – the Chair’s office can sometimes feel like a constant state of “triage” – particularly this past year! That can crowd out the bigger picture – the PLI meetings kept us all focused on the big picture for Clemson and ourselves as individuals. Despite the great challenges of the past academic year, President Clements’ positive outlook in every meeting was refreshing and energizing.
I also learned much from our alumni speakers. I especially I enjoyed our visit with restaurateur and entrepreneur Edmund Woo, ‘80, and his outlook on hard work and loving “the grind” – that it’s a leadership quality to not walk away until the job is done.
It was extremely rewarding to feel President Clements and his leadership team were personally invested in this program.”
Valerie Zimany, Clemson Art Department Chair
CN: How did PLI change your perspective on your department?
VZ: I understood more holistically that those things that affect my department affect the University, and that I have the ability to contribute and shape those discussions.
I view my Chair leadership role as fundamentally one of service – to each Clemson student in our Art programs, to our faculty and staff in providing academic and professional support, and to the University in program development and fiscal management. I believe Art is a critical component of a comprehensive university, and a lens through which critical and contemporary discourse can be promoted. Through my PLI experience, I hope to establish further cross-disciplinary relationships with colleagues and programs and by advocacy and outreach to the community.
CN: Can you share any examples of people who you met through PLI that you might not have connected with otherwise?
VZ: Each session had a paired “Leaders of the Day” to present a topic, and my co-leader was Jon Clayton, Executive Customer Success Manager for CCIT. We soon discovered our topical connection through my role in the Art Department and Jon’s responsibility to Clemson’s innovative Adobe Partnership, and developed our presentation on “creativity”.
We thought of creativity from the position that any students with educational experience in art and design are elegantly positioned for complexity and innovation — reasoning by analogy, making non-routine connections, and identifying patterns are all related to the same area of the brain that is activated when people are engaged in the visual and performing arts. The new B.A. Art degree launched this year is intended to facilitate those opportunities for a broad spectrum of Clemson students who wish to combine art studies with complementary disciplines. Based on our joint research we find that creativity is not a luxury; it is an essential element of success for our students’ future.
CN: What would you say to another faculty or staff member considering participating?
The time commitment is absolute – never miss a meeting! The PLI is an exceptional experience. You commit your time, energy, ideas and enthusiasm to the program and come away with leadership skills, expanded University contacts and memories that last a lifetime.
Teamwork and bonding take place during the case studies, site visits and discussions, but it isn’t all work; the current cohort joins with PLI alumni for networking, design challenges and volunteer projects.
CN: Is there anything else about PLI that you would like to share?
It was extremely rewarding to feel President Clements and his leadership team were personally invested in this program. I have adopted some elements in our own department meetings to continue building a positive community, such as the standing invitation to “share the good news.”
I also have great gratitude that we could meet and learn in person together. That was a critical element and I appreciate the effort to make it happen safely.
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.
MFA Candidate, Lori Brook Johnson ’21
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.”
MFA Candidate, Ashley Felder ’21
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.
Internationally recognized sculptor, Chakaia Booker and Master Printmaker, Justin Sanz of the EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop will virtually present an artist talk at Clemson University on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 5:30 p.m.
The presentation is being held in conjunction with the exhibition “Chakaia Booker: Auspicious Behavior” in the Lee Gallery at Clemson University. “We are honored to have the renowned artist Chakaia Booker’s work in the Lee Gallery and are grateful Chakaia and Justin have agreed to give the virtual artist talk about their creative processes, the printshop history and how it operates today,” said Lee Gallery Director, Denise Woodward-Detrich. The upcoming artist talk will also address the collaborative process used to create the prints on view in the Lee Gallery.
Renowned artist Chakaia Booker’s work in the Lee Gallery
“Auspicious Behavior” is an exhibition of prints and sculptures by NYC based sculptor Chakaia Booker. The exhibition features 19 one-of-a-kind prints and four sculptures utilizing rubber from recycled tires. Linking her creative pathways of sculpture and printmaking is a physically engaged process involving a dynamic activation of materials. Booker slices, twists, cuts, presses, weaves, drills, layers, rivets and grinds through her process to create expressive, textured and layered works. The exhibition is witness to a creative process bridging the boundaries between sculpture and printmaking where a striking dialogue takes place.
The 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. Contact the Clemson Visual Arts visualarts@clemson.edu to register for the upcoming artist talk.
*Feature image courtesy of Daniel Wong.
About Chakaia Booker
Chakaia Booker is an internationally renowned and widely collected American sculptor known for creating monumental, abstract works from recycled tires and stainless steel for both the gallery and outdoor public spaces. Booker’s works are contained in more than 40 public collections and have been exhibited across the US, in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Booker was included in the 2000 Whitney Biennial and received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2005. Recent public installation highlights include Millennium Park, Chicago (2016-2018), Garment District Alliance Broadway Plazas, New York, NY (2014), and National Museum of Women in the Arts New York Avenue Sculpture Project, Washington DC (2012).
About Justin Sanz
Justin Sanz is a Brooklyn-based artist who exhibits locally and internationally. His work is in the collections of the Library of Congress, The New York Public Library, The Spencer Museum, Davis Museum, and various private collections. He currently works as an educator, Master Printer, and Workshop Manager at the EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop in NYC.
Lee Gallery at Clemson University Location
The Lee Gallery is located at 323 Fernow St., in 1-101 Lee Hall. The Gallery is open for this exhibition Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
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.
