Sam Ross/ The Johnsonian
The Identity Art Exhibit is an inclusive addition to Winthrop University’s galleries. The reception will be held on Sept. 20 in the Lewandoski Student Gallery from 6-8 p.m. According to Nicole Davenport from Winthrop University Galleries, “Identity is a collaboration between Winthrop University Galleries and Winthrop’s Union of Student Artists.” If students or attendees are unable to make it to the reception, the show will run from 9-5 on weekdays; and is opened to the public. The show will take place from Sept. 9 until Oct. 7.
This idea began in 2018, when Winthtrop hosted its first juried student art show in two of McLaurin’s galleries. This was called “No Theme.” Camille Riddle, from the Union of Student Artists, was the juror of this show and said that she received fellow students’ help to make the last minute show a success.
Due to the success and participation in the “No Theme” exhibit, Davenport had the idea to conduct a more “grown up” version of the juried exhibit. Davenport and Riddle decided to host this event in the Lewandoski Gallery, and Riddle reached out to artist Chris Clamp to jury the show. He accepted, and the Winthrop Galleries and Union of Student Artists, or USA, were excited to have a reputable artist on board with their project.
The decision to open this show to all Winthrop students and staff and not only members of the USA to get a good visual on the university’s “identity.” Many artists have pieces relating to their identity in their portfolio, so this inclusive exhibit received multiple submissions. Three submissions per artist were allowed, and the show received 95 submissions from 50 artists.
Chris Clamp is a Winthrop alumni who graduated with a BFA and concentration in painting. His work has been included in exhibits such as the biennial “Re-Presenting Representation” for the Arnot Museum in Elmira, New York and the South Carolina Triennial at the South Carolina State Museum. He was also awarded a solo exhibit at the Hoyt Center for the Arts in New Castle, PA. His work also resides in the Jerald Melberg Gallery in Charlotte, NC. His work focuses on common childhood toys and reflective memories.
Clamp came into Winthrop to jury the works of art, but had a hard time narrowing down the talented submissions. He selected 40 pieces, and a winner for first, second, and third place prize awards. First place will receive a $100 cash award, followed by $50 for second place and $25 for third.
