Today@Sam Article

Second Art Gala To Support 'Art + Community'

Sept. 17, 2015
SHSU Media Contact: Chelsea Keller

The Sam Houston State University Department of Art will host the second annual “Art + Community” gala on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.

This year, the gala will honor Dan Phillips as “Outstanding Supporter” of the Arts, Dan Pratt as “Outstanding Alumnus” and Kim Cook as “Outstanding Young Alumna.”

Student recipients of the department’s 2014-15 scholarships and the donors who made those awards possible also will be recognized, as will retired Department of Art faculty members Jimmy Barker, Stanley Lea, Gene Eastman, Charles Pebworth, and Emmette Jackson, who will be honored for their ongoing contributions to the art and culture of SHSU.

In addition, a “Special Recognition Award” will be presented to Laura Carter in honor of former political science professor Jim Carter.

“Jim served on the Huntsville Arts Commission and was active in the local arts scene before his recent death,” said Michael Henderson, associate professor of art at SHSU.

All proceeds benefit the SHSU Student Satellite Gallery in downtown Huntsville, Art Against the Odds at Hospitality House and Drawing in the Prisons, as well as supports art education in rural schools.

“Donations and funds raised by the department will support projects that enhance the culture of Huntsville by bringing art to the community and student travel and art education programs,” Henderson said.

The main goal of the theme “Art + Community” is to embrace the local community and to build bridges between the Department of Art and community members.

“The gala is important because we believe art is important and that art is important to the community,” Henderson said.

The gala was initially held to honor students who received scholarships, as well as their donors. Last year, the gala was so successful that tickets were sold out and the space could not accommodate everyone who wanted to attend.

Because of the success of last year’s gala this year it will be held in a larger space to accommodate all who want to support the arts, according to Henderson. 

The department has more than 30,000 square feet of space devoted to studios; laboratories; lecture halls and galleries, including studios in painting, sculpture, ceramic, printmaking, and photography; and digital labs that maintain state-of-the-art computer equipment for students in graphics, photography and computer animation. 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at shsu.edu/academic/art/gala or by calling 936.294.4311

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