The Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at 91���� is hosting several exhibits by guest artists across the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses this fall. The exhibits are free and open to the public from Oct. 10 through Nov. 25 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Featured artists , and bring innovative perspectives to the University’s gallery spaces, transforming traditional art media into complex, inventive forms. Serving as a valuable networking opportunity, local professionals and community members are encouraged to connect with students to view, enjoy and learn about each distinctive exhibition collectively. 

On the Statesboro Campus, “Turntable Toons” by Tetz explores a type of analog animation that uses spinning records to create moving pictures and showcases his experiments with the medium. Tetz has been featured in several major publications, including INSIDER Art, Billboard and VICE Creators Projects, as well as Midland’s Grammy-nominated album “On the Rocks.” The exhibit is on display at the Center for Art and Theatre. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Oct. 14.

Also in Statesboro, “Infinite Frequencies of Care” by Shaw produces figurative work that highlights the humanity of the viewer by illustrating the humanity of the subject. As a recipient of numerous awards as well as a Ph.D. candidate at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts, he has been featured in a multitude of notable publications, platforms and institutions, including PBS, Andscape and the Baltimore Museum of Art. His goal is for the viewer to experience the mystery of creation while engaging with the portrait.

“Authentic portrayals of the Black body are of particular interest to me simply because there is no other subject I find as complex, misrepresented and misunderstood,” Shaw explained. 

“Infinite Frequencies of Care” is on display at the Center for Art and Theatre. The University will host an artist talk and reception from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 5, followed by an outdoor viewing of the 2002 film “Frida” starring Selma Hayek.

The Armstrong Campus Fine Arts Gallery features “Navigating the Molecular: The Collective I Series” by Schendel-Vyvoda, an artist, author, researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts. Her research and work have been displayed on PBS as well as in numerous media outlets across the country. The artist-philosopher’s current collection in Savannah builds on previous work that bridges the gap between art history, philosophy and visual culture. 

Community members are invited to join Georgia Southern students, faculty and staff in viewing and celebrating Tetz, Shaw and Schendel-Vyvoda by visiting each unique exhibition this fall. Through these thought-provoking displays, the University seeks to foster meaningful engagement between students and the broader communities it serves. 

A new symbol of Eagle spirit stands at the entrance of after 91���� unveiled “Freedom to Soar,” a life-size bronze statue honoring Freedom, the University’s beloved bald eagle mascot who passed away in March 2025. 

The sculpture has a wingspan of approximately eight feet and weighs 385 pounds. It sits atop a custom cast and polished concrete pedestal that weighs 6,000 pounds. The inspiration for the final look is one that 91���� football fans will find familiar.

“The plinth is designed to reflect Freedom flying over the stadium,” said Jason McCoy, studio technician in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art. “It has the terracing of the seating inside the stadium, and Freedom is flying at an angle and soaring down to the field. So, it’s designed to mirror the stadium and Freedom’s Flight over the stadium.”

For more than two decades, Freedom was more than a symbol on game days. He embodied strength, pride and the True Blue spirit of Eagle Nation. His story inspired thousands of alumni, students, faculty, staff and fans, and his presence at community and University events uplifted generations of 91����. As an ambassador for Georgia Southern, wildlife and as a symbol of our nation, Freedom inspired thousands annually at , the in Savannah, , community events and other appearances across the State of Georgia and .

“There’s this continuation of Freedom’s legacy that is connected and ingrained into the Georgia Southern community,” said Jeff Garland, associate dean of faculty affairs and research. “That’s the legacy of this sculpture. It’s a great way to show that legacy and show we will have him forever.”

Restoration and preparation of the statue began in April 2025, and were carried out by an eclectic team from all corners of the Georgia Southern community. Students, faculty and staff from the BFSDoArt, Master of Fine Arts student Tanner Maxey, Associate Professor Matt Mogle, in addition to Garland and McCoy, contributed work to the monument. Steve Hein, executive director of the Center for Wildlife Education, served as consultant throughout the project. Additionally, Georgia Southern’s Division of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, led by Project Manager Sandi Wilkinson, was supported by Dabbs Williams General Contractors to help with the landscaping and installation process.

Designers wanted even the smallest details included in the piece, all the way down to counting the number of feathers along the edges of the wings.

“You want all parties involved to agree on what’s happening so that everybody’s happy with the final outcome,” said McCoy. “It takes a lot of people to get stuff like this done. It’s a memorial piece for the University mascot, so it’s going to mean a lot to a lot of people.”

The statue stands alongside the Erk Russell statue in the plaza at , which will unite two enduring symbols of 91���� football.

Friday’s ceremony featured the unveiling of the statue, as well as speeches and stories from those who worked closely with Freedom and the Wildlife Center. Speakers included Hein, Garland, 91���� President Kyle Marrero, Alumnus David Ball, Hein’s longtime mentor Steve Layman, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Jon Burns, Georgia State Senator Billy Hickman and Athletics Director Chris Davis.

“Freedom wasn’t just a mascot,” said Marrero. “He was a symbol of strength, of unity and of that True Blue pride that defines Georgia Southern. In true Eagle fashion, he grew into something bigger than anyone expected. As we unveiled this new statue in Freedom’s honor, we celebrated not only his life but the tradition and spirit he leaves with us.”

A new Eagle sculpture called “Virginia” has joined the Eagle Nation on Parade flock after landing at the new Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Statesboro, Georgia. 

The sculpture is named after the late Virginia Sabb Jackson, who worked in Eagle Dining Services at the former Landrum dining hall for many years. The placement of the 6′ x 5′ x 4’ fiberglass sculpture at Texas Roadhouse honors the restaurant’s managing partner and local owner Maurice Jackson, Virginia Jackson’s son. 

“It feels like I’m at mom’s house instead of my house because she’s here every day watching over me,” Jackson said. 

“Virginia” became the 10th Eagle sculpture to be a part of the Eagle Nation on Parade Public Art Project and was painted by Jeff Garland, MFA, interim co-dean of the College of Education at Georgia Southern and former chair of the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art. 

Jackson shared he wanted a natural look for the sculpture, which inspired Garland to research the types of environments in Texas where bald eagles typically nest.

“I saw the environment where this sculpture would sit, and I noticed the colors of the rocks and bricks around the restaurant, and that led me to think about the types of rocks you’d find in Texas,” Garland said. “The colors on the rock at the foot of the sculpture are a direct reflection of the environment where the eagle would live in Texas, so I was really concentrating on that aspect when I was painting it.” 

Jackson loved how the sculpture turned out. 

“It’s awesome, and at nighttime, it is wonderful because the building is illuminated,” Jackson said. “Then the special thing about it is if you stand in front of the Eagle, the flag actually flies between the wings.”

The Eagle Nation on Parade Public Art Project salutes the University’s traditions, celebrates the unity of campus and community, contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life in Statesboro and supports student scholarships and research.

“I think the most important thing about the Eagle Nation on Parade is the connection to community and the opportunity for students to have that connection to community,” Garland said. “Betty Foy Sanders was connected to her community and it was what she cared most about. That’s why she created scholarships, and that’s why Eagle Nation on Parade is directly tied to student scholarships.”

The Mark Finlay Memorial Lecture Series was created in honor of Mark Finlay, a former professor of history and assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts on theArmstrong Campus. 

The series has featured prominent nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers, beginning with Chuck Leavell, an environmentalist and Rolling Stones pianist, who spoke about his work in forestry conservation.

The lecture is hosted by the College of Arts and Humanities and co-sponsored by the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art and the Telfair Museums. 

For the third straight year, Georgia Southern supporters have propelled the University to a record-breaking year of private fundraising.

Total cash, pledges and in-kind gifts to 91���� amounted to $23,831,604 during Fiscal Year 2023, which ended on June 30, 2023. That surpasses the total from the previous year, which was also a record at $22.3 million.

The record total was buoyed by another record-breaking fundraising year for the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, Inc., which raised a record $11.06 million in new pledges and outright gifts.

“As we soar into a very bright future for this University, record-breaking fundraising is a sign that Georgia Southern is not only strong now, but poised for even greater heights,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “We are endlessly thankful for the supporters, friends, alumni and donors who endorse our path forward and are stepping up to ensure our success.”

Donors helped with various projects and programs this past year, including:

• $1 million from Betty Foy Sanders for the Betty Foy Sanders School of Art with scholarships, travel and programmatic needs
• $750,000 deferred gift for the Department of Biology to be used for student scholarships
• 23 newly created endowments
• Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility for athletics

“Through unwavering dedication and the overwhelming generosity of our community, we have demonstrated the boundless potential of Eagle Nation in support of our students’ dreams and the University’s future,” said Georgia Southern Foundation Chair Mike Sanders. 

Last year’s Athletic Foundation Chair Leonard Bevill added, “The impact of this achievement will ripple through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of higher education and Georgia Southern. I am humbled and inspired by the collective spirit that has made this three-year milestone possible.”

The Erk Russell Fund, the Athletic Foundation’s annual fund, continues to grow and saw donations of $3.2 million this fiscal year. Additionally, the Athletic Foundation received 58 major gift commitments this year, which are gift commitments of $25,000 or greater to support Eagle Athletics.

Over the past three fiscal years, the Athletic Foundation has raised more than $27 million in support of Georgia Southern Athletics. This total is the largest three-year fundraising window in department history.

“It’s clear that 91����’s power to transform lives and communities is making a positive impression with our private supporters,” said Trip Addison, Vice President of Advancement, noting that more than 3,600 alumni were among the supporters this past year. “I am grateful for the welcome reception we are receiving when we ask people to join in our effort to help support our students and the work they and our faculty are doing.”

As part of World Ocean Day on June 10, 91���� displayed sculptures in 16 exhibit tanks at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium in Savannah. The pieces were part of an exhibit at the aquarium titled “SUBMERGED: An Underwater Exhibition of Bioceramic Artwork.” 

The sculptures were of Georgia Southern’s , and supported by the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant.

The bioceramic sculptures range in subject matter from realistic ocean species, such as octopus and sea turtles, to abstract sculptural forms that were created to engage with the aquarium fish in a new and interesting way. The students were encouraged to consider the coastal environments of Georgia but also to interpret the exhibition however they felt inspired by the material.

Casey Schachner, assistant professor of art, said working with these materials in this way was an exciting process, and the goal of the exhibit is to raise environmental awareness on coastal Georgia ecosystems.

“It’s important to consider environmental impacts of the materials we work with as artists,” said Schachner. “This collaboration between art and science is just one creative way of dealing with the algae waste from our waterways and hopefully, this show inspires others to consider how they can make their own unique impact.”

The displays were more than just good for the eyes. They were also good for the ecosystem. They were made from native algae and will be placed in the Skidaway River after the art exhibit closes. In this position, they will help form new oyster reefs.

“I am more aware of my abilities and skills than ever before thanks to the staff of the art department here,” said Gamez. “While it hasn’t been an easy path to tread, I have grown and developed not only as an artist but as a person as well. I’ve made wonderful friends with my colleagues as we support each other and work as a team along the way.”

Inyaki Fetalvero, who will exhibit painting, photography and ceramics can occasionally be found asleep in the art building after having stayed overnight to work. He has been known to bring back McDonald’s for the whole team during long nights in the studio. 

Like Gamez and Fetalvero, the featured seniors talked about their time in the program and sense of community and friendships fostered through long hours spent together.

“I learned a lot from others, especially from my professors and friends,” said Fetalvero. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without these people on my shoulders. My mentors and friends are the ones who have pushed me to my limits and helped me grow as an artist, so I’d say they’re the most important part of my experience here at Southern.”

Kelly Conrad is also a fine arts senior. She said the bonds she’s made with her student colleagues will carry on after graduation, and so will the lessons shared.

“I’ve learned new creative ways to approach problem solving, and a lot of skills that you wouldn’t think are related to art at first glance,” said Conrad. “Overall, there’s nothing quite like the experience of seeing your classmates grow, stress and improve by your side – and, of course, the late night hours goofing around in the studios, trying to be productive, but being too tired to really be coherent.”

As an extension of the sense of camaraderie and cohesion between these emerging artists, they chose a single flier design for their show rather than depicting samples of each artist’s work. They found this option more representative of the class’s spirit.

“The vast amount of skills that I’ve learned still pale in comparison to the friends I’ve made,” said fellow art student Lane Ruarks.

“E���������Գ���” is on view from April 14-20 in the Contemporary and University Galleries at the Center for Art and Theatre on the Statesboro Campus. A public reception will be April 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Seniors featured in the show are Tyler Anderson, Kelly Conrad, Christopher Cook, Inkyaki Fetalvero, Vanessa Franquez, Breannan Gamez, Anthony Geguzis, Syrin Johnson, Rebecca Laurence, Tyler Lane Ruarks and Michael Weatherspoon.

Where is home for you?

91���� student Katie Snyder was born in Kansas, moved to Arkansas, spent her teenage years in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and now calls Statesboro home.

“I feel like the Statesboro community has really welcomed me,” she said. “I’ve made so many friends and met so many different people who’ve helped me advance my career, helped me advance my social life or helped me as a person.”

Snyder is an interior design student, and a competitive one. The junior recently participated in a competitive design contest for the Sculpture Walk, a public art exhibition sponsored by the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) and Georgia Southern’s Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art.

Alongside her fellow students in Assistant Professor Casey Schachner’s 3D Art and Design Foundations classes, she was to use a 6-by-6-inch square piece of paper to create a three-dimensional object. Students could cut and fold the paper, but they could not remove or reattach pieces of paper. The paper submissions were juried by art and community representatives, and eight were selected to be translated into full-steel sculptures.

Interior design student Kiara Washington, who considers herself a perfectionist, admittedly, didn’t like most of her first original designs, and most of them ended up in the trash. Then, she found inspiration.

“I tried different things and I found the easiest design came from my personality,” she said. “When I add myself into my art, it becomes very technical and architectural. That’s what happened when I came through with my piece, and I love that.”

Her design was one of the handful selected for the outdoor sculpture exhibit.

“All that hard work paid off,” she said. 

Now, her paper design is being transformed into a large metal sculpture. Each steel sculpture will be powder-coated in a vibrant color to help preserve the work for years of enjoyment.

Additional students with designs selected for the exhibition are Alicia Aguirre, W’Cayla Brigham, Liam Lightfoot, Sophie Romeo, Katie Snyder, Maia Storm and Haylee Workman. 

During the opening reception, guests should park downtown and take a shuttle to the beginning of the trail and enjoy a stroll along the trail to see each sculpture, with the walk ending at City Center, the headquarters of Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the BFSDoArt Travel Fund. This fund helps art department students travel for various types of educational experiences including class field trips, art study abroad programs, professional conferences and more. 

More information about the Sculpture Walk and how to bid online visit .

Art is often considered an unspoken language meant to express emotion, voice and identity, though audiences may not always have a clear translation of what an artist is trying to express.

In an upcoming Georgia Southern exhibition, “Figure It Out,” the audience will traverse a variety of mediums that include charcoal drawings, fibers, sculpture, digital and acrylic paintings. With these mediums, figure and portraiture will meld into the concepts of the everyday to other-worldly. Through this journey, the hope is for audiences to develop a connection to each artist’s pieces to interpret a meaning for themselves.

Asia Le, a Savannah native, is a visual arts major. In her work, she found inspiration from individuals from her past, and individuals of her own creation. She created a digital narrative played out by characters from her own life and career.

“I felt excited to finally show people my characters, stories and visions,” she said. “So, it means a great deal to have the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience than just family and friends. The digitally rendered paintings give a glimpse of who the characters are in their world and their story.”

Students in the Georgia Southern Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art are encouraged to explore their own creativity to find inspiration for their work. Many times, the passion and creativity from one student can rub off on another. 

“The most impactful part of my experience at Georgia Southern are the connections I made with my professors and peers,” said Le. “I was able to learn a great deal from each person’s own art style and perspective of what it means to be an artist.”

“Figure It Out” will also showcase the works of fellow graduating seniors Rodney Briggs, Storm Patterson-Edinger, Demarious Hartley and Gregory Tyson. The show will run from Nov. 2 through Nov. 30, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the 91���� Armstrong Campus Fine Arts Gallery. 

This event is free and open to the public.

“Celebrate and support your community.”

That’s the message from Double Eagle Jean Gray Mohs, who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting in 2002 and later earned her Master of Fine Arts in teaching in 2008.

This mantra of supporting and engaging with the community began while she was still a student herself. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she and a group of her colleagues launched their own artist collective, Stillmoreroots, around the state.

“It was a really meaningful community to help explore what we were, to create challenging, accessible art, and to create a space for dialogue with the community,” said Mohs. “There’s an internal support group that you could always throw any idea out and be accepting of.” 

“Continuum” highlights the diverse professional art practices and continued creative endeavors of BFSDoArt alumni. The exhibition showcases an interdisciplinary selection of painting, drawing, small metals, digital design, ceramics, photography, prints, textiles, sculpture and more.

“This is a fantastic showing of what our alumni are up to these days” said Gallery Director Jason Hoelscher, Ph.D. “The exhibition features work ranging from relatively recent graduates to those who finished their studies in decades past. Given this breadth, it’s interesting to see the spectrum of approaches–not only in terms of discipline or medium, but also in terms of those continually exploring new artistic approaches, and those who relentlessly refine and perfect their technique to open up new areas of what might otherwise seem to be established modes of artmaking.”

The exhibition features new and recent artwork by Ashley Anderson, Elizabeth Debban, Mariana S. Depetris, William T. Dooley, Lindsey Gerow, Thyatira Grant, Susan Harmon, D’Antre Harris, Nikolaus James, Nicole James, Zak Kelley, Tyre McDonald, Jean Gray Mohs, Cynthia L. Rodday, Brian Russell, and Jing Zhou.