Crystal Springs Resident Will Become First BFA Graduate at Mississippi College

Mississippi College art student Mati Feuss-Green with her sculpture "Angel" that depicts her daughter, Melissa Green. Mati is due to become the first MC student to receive her bachelor's degree in fine arts at the August 3 commencement.

Mati Feuss-Green learned how to create beautiful sculptures as a Mississippi College student under the guidance of extraordinary artists like Sam Gore.

“I’m in awe every time I look at Dr. Gore’s work,” says the MC senior from Crystal Springs. “I’m honored to study under him.”

After beginning her studies under a series of outstanding Mississippi College art professors in 2009, the Crystal Springs resident will make MC history as the university’s first recipient of a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.

Graduation day will be August 3 at the A.E. Wood Coliseum on the Clinton campus. Becoming the first BFA student at Mississippi College to be awarded a diploma will be a special Saturday for the Lansing, Michigan native and her art professors.

“I’m humbled and honored beyond words,” says the Copiah-Lincoln Community College graduate.

Whether churning out pieces of pottery, creating sculptures or taking ceramics classes, Feuss-Green is known as a hard worker who carefully produced quality pieces.

 One of her favorites crafted at Mississippi College is her impressive sculpture she calls “Angel.” The art work portrays her daughter, Melissa Green of Natchez. A few years ago, both mother and daughter attended school together at Copiah-Lincoln’s Wesson campus.

At this summer’s commencement, Mati will graduate with honors – a robust 3.56 average. Her sculpting talents may lead to a career in the medical field of prosthetics.

“I usually have clay in my hands,” she said. “In my spare time, I’m with family.”

Art Department Chairman Randy Miley, art professors Albert Smathers, Carrie Reeves and other colleagues in Aven Hall are eager to see the Christian university’s first BFA graduate walk across the stage. They say Feuss-Green earned the recognition she will receive at the summer commencement.

Whether creating pieces at her studio at her home in Crystal Springs or on the Clinton campus, “Mati is a hard worker,” Smathers said. “Her area concentration is 3-D working with sculptures and ceramics. She’s turned out some nice pieces.”

Mississippi College leaders “are excited about the first BFA,” he said. “This will open up some doors.”

Once graduation ceremonies are over at the university’s basketball arena, there’s another BFA student with a prominent family name in the pipeline at Mississippi College.

MC student Abbie Gore of Memphis will become the second in line to receive her BFA degree in May 2014. The Tennessean is a distant cousin to Sam Gore, 86, the internationally celebrated former Mississippi College Art Department chairman. Abbie deserves his thanks, Dr. Gore said, for running errands to help with his sculpture projects at the Lugar Foundry in Memphis. Gore’s Servant Savior sculpture and one depicting Jesus and His Children are among the professor’s magnificent works at the Baptist-affiliated university.