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Gore Galleries Hosts Sculptor Tracy Sugg


Mississippi artist Tracy H. Sugg's bust of Gen. Tadeusz Kosciuszko recently found a spot in the permanent collection of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

Her art shows in Washington, D.C. and shower of media attention are all indications that Sugg is a growing force in the world of art.

Mississippi College's Gore Galleries on Dec. 11 will host a reception for Suggs, who will also sign copies of her new book "The Pursuit of the Artists' Arcanum." The event is from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

A Mississippi College art graduate, Suggs lives in Jackson. Her show of sculptures and two dimensional pieces at her alma mater runs from Dec. 11 until Jan. 29, 2009.

Tracy's philosophy toward art and artists is one of excellence and humility. "I believe that the artists should be a servant to humanity. I feel that I have a sacred responsibility to God and mankind to produce works of beauty and truth."

While her unique style meshes French Impressionist with Italian Baroque, Tracy proudly states, "My favorite sculptures are my four children!"

MC art lovers are pleased to welcome the alumna and her work to the Clinton campus.

"Tracy's work shows an understanding and maturity of the figure and movement," said Randy H. Jolly, director of the Gore Galleries that houses MC's art collection. "The three-dimensional forms seem to spring to life in front of the viewer's eyes. She makes it easy for the viewer to relate to the figures and to feel their energy and excitement. As you look at her work you seem to be drawn into the beauty and spirit of each piece."

Her new book contains images of her sculpture, including monuments, clay sketches, early works and private collection sculptures. As a child she began sculpting in the clay found in her yard. She served an eight-year apprenticeship under a master sculptor. Tracy polished her craft via extensive travels and research in Europe. The forward to the 115-pager hardcover book was penned by writer Nevada Barr.

Her sculpture of Kosciuszko depicts a volunteer from Poland who became an engineer and field commander and later Brigadier General during America's Revolutionary War. His portrait bust was installed at the new Jefferson Library at the academy at West Point. He was a hero during the Polish-Lithuanium uprising in 1794.

Sugg also sculpted a full-size monument of the heroic general for the city of Kosciusko, Miss. that is named for him. It was installed in a downtown park of the Attala County city in October 2006.

Said Sugg in a news release: "Kosciuszko was such an amazing man of integrity and honor; I can think of no one better to have the caders look to and try to emulate."

Tracy Sugg's roots run deep at MC. The 36-year-old artist is a 1994 MC graduate. The New Mexico native discovered the Christian university through a friend and decided to enroll on the Clinton campus. MC stimulated her interest in sculpture. Sugg first studied sculpture under former MC Art Department chairman Sam Gore.

Tracy and her husband, Robert, an artist and MC grad, will be traveling to New York City Nov. 11 to meet with the Polish Consulate, leaders of the United Nations and others at a reception because of her work on the sculpture of General Kosciuszko.

For more information on the Sugg show and book signing, contact Randy Jolly at the Gore Galleries at 601-925-3880 or rjolly@mc.edu

PHOTO: Tracy H. Sugg