There's lots to see in USC Sumter art galleries

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FROM STAFF REPORTS

Now through March 31, the University of South Carolina Sumter has plenty of art for viewing.

In the Upstairs Gallery, located in the Williams-Brice-Edwards Administration Building, visitors can find Eric Burress' Natural Finish.

Burress, a ceramics teacher at Sumter High School, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Clemson University with an emphasis in sculpture and ceramics. He was invited to exhibit work at the Sumter County Cultural Commission's Gallery 135 in 2013, was recognized by Clemson University's Art Department chair as an emerging artist and emerging CU Art Alumnus and was sponsored to create public artwork by the Sumter County Cultural Commission in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Iris Festival. He has been a visiting artist for the Talented and Gifted Program, REACH (Reinforcing and Expanding Artistic and Creative Horizons) and for art and ceramics classes at Sumter High. He has also taught ceramics courses for both adults and children at the Sumter County Gallery of Art while continuing to participate in shows and create commissioned work.

Burress' work can be seen from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Umpteenth Gallery, located in the Arts and Letters Building, features the works of Florence native Lisa Culpepper.

Culpepper lives with her husband, Dr. David M. Culpepper, in Florence, and serves as pastor of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Hemingway. She graduated from Furman University with a Bachelor of Science and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry. She has participated in and led short-term mission teams to Latin and Central America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as hosted international exchange students.

Culpepper incorporates her mission into her art. In her artist's statement, Culpepper says, "I endeavor to bring awareness and foster compassion toward people who because of war, climate catastrophes and limited resources live in much harsher environments than I. The art is a window into experiences in Lebanon, Cuba, Nicaragua and Kenya, where I have been inspired by those who live faithfully and abundantly with limited resources."

Lisa Culpepper's Collection can be seen from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Francis Marion University's Faculty Show features a selection of works by members of the FMU Fine Arts Department. Included are Lawrence P. Anderson, professor of visual arts; Gregory G. Fry, professor of visual arts; Dr. Howard J. Frye, associate professor of art education; Steven F. Gately, coordinator of visual arts programs; Foug Gray, professor of visual arts; Charles E. Jeffcoat, associate professor of art; Julie S. Mixon, associate professor of art; and Walter W. Sallenger, Adele Kassab Art Gallery curator.

The FMU exhibit can be seen from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the University Gallery in the Anderson Library.

All USC Sumter art gallery exhibits are free and open to the public.

Visit www.uscsumter.edu for more information or contact Laura Cardello, USC Sumter's curator of exhibits, at (803) 938-3801.