The Alabama State Council on the Arts granted a Visual Arts Fellowship to Samford Assistant Professor of Art and Gallery Director, Lauren Evans on June 21, 2023. A total of 23 fellowships were given to individuals across the state working in arts education, craft, dance, design, media/photography, music, literature, theatre and visual arts. These grants honor artistic excellence and professionalism, assisting in furthering each artist’s career development.

Evans’ creative work is inspired by her interest and extensive research into the meaning of the creative act, matters of origin, symbolic centers and the significance of the maternal experience. Her artwork is primarily sculptural, ranging from meticulously layered collages to large mixed-media structures and installations.

In her most recent residency in India, The Nature of Difference, Evans had the opportunity to shift her mindset from teacher back to student.

“It brought me back to that forever-student mentality,” said Evans. “I was able to learn from the artists around me and share thoughts and perspectives.”

Evans hopes to attend more residencies where she can continue learning from others in her field. In addition, she has two upcoming shows in fall 2023 and 2024 where she hopes to expand her expertise in sculpture and 3D projection.