Book Featuring Mississippi Sculptor Sam Gore Rolls off Presses in August

Sam Gore

The long wait ends soon for the many fans of Mississippi sculptor Samuel Marshall Gore.

In two months, the new book “Blessed With Tired Hands” will roll off the presses and get in the hands of readers.

The University Press of Mississippi scheduled an early August publication date for the wonderful book by award-winning photographer Barbara Gauntt. Her beautiful photographs and words will give readers a rare glimpse at the splendid works of the prominent Christian artist.

A beloved Clinton resident, Gore, 87, has served as an art professor for more than six decades at Mississippi College and won international acclaim along the way.

Colleagues like Randy Miley, the chairman of the MC Art Department, are delighted to see Gauntt’s coffee table book become a reality this summer.

“I am very pleased with the opportunity for Dr. Gore to be featured in a significant book such as this,” Miley said. “Barbara Gauntt is an excellent photographer. I’m sure the quality of her photographs is impressive.”

For Gauntt, who teaches photography as an MC art instructor and is a longtime “Clarion-Ledger” staffer, the book remains a labor of love about a celebrated man she deeply admirers.

“It all started because I was amazed by Dr. Gore and his work,” Gauntt says. She calls Dr. Gore “an absolute treasure,” and a “gift from God” who keeps on giving.

Miley lauds both Gauntt and Gore for patiently sticking with the book project for several years and seeing it to fruition. “They both worked hard for this moment to arrive.”

Mississippi College leaders are planning a couple of events to note the book’s publication. One will be an upcoming summer exhibit at the Gore Galleries on the Clinton campus. The program will feature some of Dr. Gore’s extraordinary sculptures and paintings. In addition, some of Gauntt’s photographs will spotlight his career journey.

Mississippi College supporters will also get the opportunity to meet Dr. Gore and Barbara Gauntt at an event set for MC’s 2015 Homecoming running October 22-24. A book signing is planned for the Clinton campus. Gore and Gauntt may also be riding a car in the university’s Homecoming Parade on October 24 and waving to fans along College Street.

Gore is thrilled to see the new book out, too.

“Blessed With Tired Hands,” says the 1952 MC alumnus, “tells of a long learning venture, with family and many other special people who have become part of me in bringing out my best.”

Gore is the hands behind his sculpture “Servant Savior” that sits in a visible spot on the Quad near MC’s historic Provine Chapel. He is far from finished as an artist.

“At age 87, I am still learning,” Gore says. “Thanks to all who have brought out my best.”

The new book is loaded with photos and descriptions of his sculptures. It also contains photos of his paintings from his trips to Costa Rica with art student groups and faculty at Mississippi College.

To pre-order a copy of “Blessed With Tired Hands,” visit mc.edu/gorebook.