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September Issue 2004
Frances Marion University in Florence, SC,
Features Works by Stephen M. Welch and FMU Alumni
Frances Marion University in Florence, SC, is presenting two exhibits
including, Nature Observed, featuring paintings by Stephen
M. Welch, on view through Oct. 29, 2004, and Alumni Invitational,
featuring works by FMU art alumni, on view through Sept. 30, 2004.
Welch teaches biology at FMU and in the Wilson High School International Baccalaureate Program in Florence.
"Growing up in rural Clarendon County, SC, my family instilled in me a great appreciation for the world of nature surrounding me," Welch said. "For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite pastimes was sketching and I would sketch with anything and on anything available. I loved nature and decided at an early age to become a biologist. The selection of my work is due in part to actually observing the subjects in the wild and trying to capture them in their natural settings. I prefer to paint animals that are often overlooked because of their size or often disliked because of the stigmas associated with them. Through my work, I hope to make people aware that these organisms are just as important as other plants and animals commonly recognized and loved."
The Alumni Invitational gives graduates of FMU's Art Education and Visual Arts programs an opportunity to socialize and showcase recent artwork, and affords the university and community 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 at FMU, I wish to thank all the alumni that contributed work for the Alumni Invitational," said Lawrence P. Anderson. '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."
For further info check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, contact Todd J. Hudak at 843/661-1227 or e-mail at (thudak@fmarion.edu).
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