Smith Banks Southern Folk Art Collection to be dedicated Nov. 30

November 12, 2007

Georgia Southern University will formally dedicate the Smith Callaway Banks Southern Folk Art Collection and Research Center on Friday, Nov. 30, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. The dedication will take place in the Arts Building, with remarks at 5 p.m. followed by a reception honoring Smith Callaway Banks.

‘We are delighted to have an opportunity to thank Smith Banks publicly for his gift to the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art,” said chair Patricia Carter. ‘This is an opportunity for the public to see the unique and colorful folk art he has collected over the years, and to greet several of the artists as well. We’re looking forward to sharing pieces from the collection in an exhibit titled �For the Love of Folk Art.'”

The two- and three-dimensional pieces in the Smith Banks Southern Folk Art Collection are superb examples of an artistic tradition tied to Georgia’s history and culture. The Banks collection provides a foundation for Georgia Southern University faculty and student research projects and a new opportunity for developing art education programs for K-12 students in area schools.

The dedication and reception is open to all. For more information, please contact the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at 912-681-5358.