By Merritt Jenkins

Lee University is hosting the first art exhibition of the academic year, “Through the Years,” featuring various works by Lee art professor John Simmons. The exhibition is on display in the Squires Library Art Gallery through Thursday, Oct. 3.

“Without John Simmons’ vision and determination, we would not have an art program,” said Mary Mathias-Dickerson, associate professor of art. “He taught art classes for years and worked tirelessly to get an art major and an art gallery at Lee University. ‘Through the Years’ is an interesting retrospective exhibition of Simmons’ work, featuring a variety of media and subject matter.”

The display includes works such as Blue Horizon, Landscape Torso, and Morning Majesty. The library’s exhibit is open to the public from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Simmons joined the Lee faculty in 1971 and taught at Lee until 1987, when he moved to Florida to work at the Tampa Museum and teach at Hillsborough Community College. He returned to Lee in 1997 as an associate professor of art. Simmons is currently retired from full-time duties, but teaches ceramics part-time as a senior adjunct professor in art.

Simmons earned his Master of Arts from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Berea College.

“I have loved teaching at Lee University, and it has been exciting to participate in the growth of the art program over the last few years,” said Simmons. “We now have 80 majors and a wonderful gallery in the Squires Library. I am excited about the future possibilities with new faculty and new ideas that continue the growth of the art major. At this point, I feel I have accomplished my goals.”

For more information about the exhibition or Lee’s art program, call (423) 614-8690.