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Barbara Gauntt Discusses New Book on Sculptor Samuel Gore


Mississippi sculptor and painter Samuel Marshall Gore. He's the subject of Barbara Gauntt's "Blessed With Tired Hands.''

Journalist and author Barbara Gauntt will discuss her new book “Blessed With Tired Hands” during an August 12 forum at the William F. Winter Archives & History Building in Jackson.

Part of the “History is Lunch” series at the facility at 200 North Street, the one-hour program that Wednesday begins at noon. The event is free and open to the public.

The summer stop in Mississippi’s capital city signals her first major event as Gauntt promotes her new book on legendary sculptor and painter Samuel Marshall Gore. The former chairman of the Mississippi College Art Department, Dr. Gore has many admirers around the world.

A 1952 MC alumnus, Gore has served as an art professor at his alma mater in Clinton for more than six decades. At age 87, the Clinton resident stays busy as he practices his craft, teaches a sculpting class and serves as a mentor to budding artists.

Gauntt’s book was published by University Press of Mississippi in early August. The 112-page coffee table book comes loaded with her marvelous photographs of Gore’s illustrious art career. Renowned artist Wyatt Waters of Clinton, one of Gore’s former students at Mississippi College decades ago, penned the forward.

“He transforms lives through his art and his teaching,” Waters said in the book. “I am still learning. He is still my teacher.”

An award-winning “Clarion-Ledger” photographer for more than two decades, Gauntt first became fascinated with the slow-talking Mississippian following an assignment for the state’s biggest newspaper. The New Jersey native also works as an adjunct art instructor at Mississippi College.

“It all started because I was amazed by Dr. Gore and his work,” Gauntt says.

Born the son of a Baptist preacher in Texas in 1927, Gore remains a man of faith who says, “I’m still learning” from his craft.

Many Mississippi College visitors are drawn to Gore’s remarkable “Servant Savior” sculpture. Situated near Provine Chapel, the sculpture depicts Jesus and His disciples. His massive sculpture of Moses and the Ten Commandments clings to an exterior wall of the Mississippi College School of Law in downtown Jackson. It attracts visitors from across the USA and around the globe.

“Dr. Gore is an extraordinary artist and Christian gentleman,” says Ron Howard, vice president for academic affairs at the Baptist-affiliated university. “He’s a superb teacher with student disciples from all over.”

Gauntt and Gore will soon team up for a “Blessed With Tired Hands” book signing and reception at the Gore Galleries on the Clinton campus. The event on Sunday August 23 runs from 2-5 p.m. The public is invited.

Both talented Mississippians return to the Clinton campus for a second book signing on October 24. That’s the date when thousands of Mississippi College graduates attend the university’s 2015 Homecoming weekend.

For more information on Barbara Gauntt’s “Blessed With Tired Hands” go to mc.edu/gorebook