"Pieces of Work" by Uschi Jeffcoat, Minnamie Murphy, Betsey Olsen, Sherry Williams, and Dale Worsham.

Uschi Jeffcoat -- "I paint because it transfers an internal tension in times of stress as well as an internal ease in times of reflection. The creative process provides a harbor for chaos or embraces measured control. I can experience both a calm stillness and moments of intense focused energy. Watercolor is the medium in which I currently find the most delight. The medium reflects my personality in that it appreciates good planning echoing a work ethic of work before pleasure. Influenced by the people and spaces I encounter, I attempt to reflect that in a manner that is simple yet with hidden complexities and contradictions."

Minnamie Murphy -- "As a mother of 5 little boys, I find myself merely skimming the surface of life many a day, justifying it as survival.  In contrast to the hurriedness, painting is a welcome occasion to slow down, regain sanity, be still and think (or not). Creativity makes me re-grow roots as lines, colors, and shapes join to make a whole; a spacious whole that orders the discombobulated and forges continuity between different aspects of life.  It is a process that invites me to move more slowly, look more intently, appreciate more fully and be more alive than the surface alone allows."

Betsey Olsen -- "I’m not sure that I have developed enough as an artist to have a statement as an artist.  My subjects are varied, my style is all over, my influences are from every direction. Do I really have anything to say? I do know I want art to be joyous to me. It can be riotous and happy but it can be quiet and peaceful, somber and serious or curious, weird and wonderful. It does reflect my life - all over the place. For now it is an exciting challenge to try something new, develop new skills and find new techniques. I am so left-brained I want to know the chemistry behind the paint and the physics behind the process. I think I’ll shake things up a bit next time. I’ll try throwing paint!"

Sherry Williams -- "As a child I was able to attend  art classes taught by Jane Jackson. I realized  a few years ago that I really missed painting. I was able to start taking classes again and have enjoyed the process of learning different art techniques. Hopefully, one day I will be able to create on paper what I see in my mind."

Dale Worsham -- "As a child I loved to draw, color or do anything that was creative.  I would buy markers or pens every time I was in a store.  I always dreamed of being an artist but never pursued it seriously.  I am now getting to the age where I realize that we truly will not be here forever and if you want your dreams to come true you had better go for it now!!"

"Vessels" by Jo and Hugh Jeffers.

Jo Jeffers was born in Florence, South Carolina and attended Florence schools. She graduated from Agnes Scott College in 1967.  She now lives and works on Pocket Road in Florence County.

"Drawn to clay during college, I was then fortunate to spend time at Pendland School of Crafts. I have been working with clay for 36 years and now maintain a studio in the Back Swamp community near Florence, where I grew up.

"I work with stoneware, fired to about 2300 degrees in a gas kiln. My aim is to make pieces, which hold up to everyday use, while also adding a sense of form, color and quiet joy to those who use them."

Hugh Jeffers grew up on a farm near Florence, SC and graduated from USC.  Founder and partner of JMO Woodworks, Inc., for 34 years he has been a professional woodworker in Charleston.

"A self taught woodturner, I am fascinated by the color and texture of wood.  I have always sought graceful forms and fine detail with my work on the lathe.

"After years of exploring the bowl form, I am making more hollow vessels and sculptural pieces.  Recently I have begun adding textures, carving and some colors to the finished surfaces.  Pleasing shapes are always my priority.

"Woodpiles, tree service lots and storm-felled trees are sources for most of my material."

"Layers and Passages: A Tribute to Seven Women of Courage and Compassion" by Stephen Nevitt.

Stephen Nevitt, a native of Charlotte, NC, the Art Program Coordinator at Columbia College and a former member of the faculty at the South Carolina Governor’s School of Arts and Humanities Summer Honors Program. He earned his BFA at the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree from the State University of New York, College at Oswego.

"My art works during recent years continue to be about family, but they have focused primarily on a handful of individuals, many of whom were women who quietly showed great courage and determination in the face of overwhelming difficulties. As I found additional information through research and conversations with elderly relatives, I became more and more impressed with these women's responses to tragic circumstances.

"This exhibit consists of a collection of portraits in tribute to seven of my female ancestors with written feedback on each of them describing what I know of her life and the strength of her character and resolve. Most works for this exhibit are from recent years, and a handful of others are from the past."

Nettie

"Stacked" Sculptures by Tom Herzog.

Tom Herzog received a Bachelors degree in Art from Montana State University-Billings. In addition to curating the gallery series at Francis Marion University, he continues to paint and sculpt in his studio. His watercolor paintings have won numerous awards in national and international juried competitions. His work may be found in corporate and  private collections throughout the country.

"For the majority of my life I have expressed myself creatively through watercolor painting, but in recent years I have become fascinated with the making of sculptures that consist of the aesthetic arrangements of found natural materials. I began playing with form, texture, light and shadow, color and balance using only those materials I could find in nature. . . The sculptures themselves were usually ephemeral, and photographs were the only record of their brief existence and a way to remember the discoveries that have been revealed. The sculptures 'in the wild' are quite mystical and are very rooted to place. . .  More recently I've thought that it would be profound to experience that wild magic and mystery indoors, so I began cementing the stacked stone pieces together so that they could be portable and more permanent."

Joy by Tom Herzog

2012 Alumni Invitational Show.

The Alumni Invitational gives FMU graduates an opportunity to socialize and showcase recent artwork, and affords the University and community with an opportunity to view their work and learn of their achievements following graduation.  Alumni exhibitions help the Department of Fine Arts stay current with former students, assessing success in preparing students for graduate study and professions within the field. In conjunction with alumni surveys, the alumni invitational is a collegial means of soliciting recommendations for improvements to the curriculum and providing current art and art education majors with a pool of successful mentors to assist with placement "in the business" upon graduation.

"As Chairman of the Department of Fine Arts, I wish to thank all the alumni that contributed work for the Alumni Invitational. Alumni exhibits help continue a dialogue with past students we have prepared. This kind of contact is nostalgic, educational, and exciting for all involved. Faculty are provided evidence of progress their students have made, and current students are reinforced by the creative endeavors they view. Even though there is a variety of artistic approach, execution, and media, these artists and their works are bound to Francis Marion University and the Department of Fine Arts by shared experiences and commitment to excellence. These artists and educators continue to be a great source of pride for the department and the Visual Art and Art Education programs. The entire university community will benefit from this exhibit and I congratulate the participants. I would like to also thank the faculty and staff who helped make this exhibit a success." - Lawrence  P. Anderson `

Senior Shows by Graduating FMU Visual Arts Majors.

Senior shows are required of all students majoring in Visual Arts. These shows give students hands-on experience in selection and installation of artworks, publicity of exhibition, and external review by the University community and the general public.

Works by Ceramic Sculpture and 3D Design Classes.

A showcase of new works created during the current semester by students learning skills in visual arts classes.

Gallery Shows TBA.

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2D Works by Duane Brissette.
3D Works TBA.

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Senior Shows by Graduating FMU Visual Arts Majors.

Senior shows are required of all students majoring in Visual Arts. These shows give students hands-on experience in selection and installation of artworks, publicity of exhibition, and external review by the University community and the general public.

Works by Ceramics and 3D Design Classes.

A showcase of new works created during the current semester by students learning skills in visual arts classes

2D and 3D Shows TBA.

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