Group of Sweet Briar community artists to show works

“The Spirit of Sweet Briar,” a photograph by Becky Lambert ’05 taken March 3, 2015


An exhibition of works by Sweet Briar community members will open with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, in Babcock Gallery. “Perpetuity: Studio Art Community Critique Group Exhibition” will remain on display through May 14. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and admission is free and open to the public.

The show is the culmination of a project initiated over the summer by studio art professors Laura Pharis and John Morgan. They have been hosting a critique group that meets weekly for informal discussions of members’ original works.

Participants bring works in any medium of the two- and three-dimensional visual arts.

“This Sweet Briar Critique Group has been one of many unexpected pleasures of this unique year,” Pharis says. “It was my colleague, John Morgan, who thought of it, and I am grateful to everyone who participated.


“Practical End” by John Morgan


“We have enjoyed sharing ideas, brainstorming and camaraderie.

“Our weekly meetings with the artists participating in this exhibition have given an incentive for all of us to have work ready to bring in so that we can hear and discuss the helpful, sometimes inspiring insights of the members.”

The group includes faculty from the studio art and English departments, library staff, alumnae who are professional artists, local artists who are friends of the College, and several Sweet Briar students.

In addition to Pharis and Morgan, the artists scheduled to show everything from ceramics, drawings and mixed media constructions to film and still photography are Becky Lambert ’05, Mary Stuart McDevitt ’17, Chatham Monk, Liz Kent León, Mary Jane Oliver ’62, Catherine Virginia Ratliff ’17, Justin Rice, Susan Saandholland and Molly Van Buren ’16.

For more information, contact Pharis at (434) 381-6195 or lpharis@sbc.edu.