Lee University will host Legacy and Light, a collaborative art exhibition featuring the works of Steven Lester and the late Gary Selby. The exhibition will open Thursday, Sept. 10, at Squires Library, with a reception at 5 p.m. and an artist talk with Lester at 6 p.m. Legacy and Light will be on display through Nov. 8.

“It is a privilege to have the artwork of Gary Selby and Steven Lester displayed together on our campus,” said Mary Mathias-Dickerson, associate professor of art at Lee. “This exhibition gives our students an opportunity to encounter meaningful artwork outside of the classroom and to see how art can engage with faith, culture, and human experience. We are very pleased to have their work here and to share it with the Lee University and surrounding communities.”

The Legacy and Light exhibition brings together the sacred work of two artists whose relationship began as teacher and student at Georgia State University more than 50 years ago and will feature biblical paintings from both artists that explore themes of faith, calling, and generational legacy.

An introductory display will share the story of two artists whose lives came full circle after decades apart. The collection will include oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, as well as charcoal and watercolor works on paper. Each piece will include a written reflection that provides biblical context and invites viewers to engage both intellectually and spiritually.

Throughout the semester, Lester will also visit art classes on campus and demonstrate his artistic process.

Lester is an award-winning contemporary narrative artist and retired senior pastor with more than 30 years of ministry experience, whose work explores the intersection of faith, story, and human experience. Before establishing himself fully in fine art, Lester served as a creative director for major organizations and leading national advertising agencies. His work reflects both his artistic mastery and his lifelong commitment to faith.

Gary Selby, who died last month, was a lifelong artist and educator whose career included teaching art at the high school level before becoming a college art professor. His legacy extends beyond the artwork he created to the countless students and others whose lives he influenced. He was a strong supporter of the Jesus Movement and his artwork helped shape the outreach mission of Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta. This exhibition celebrates that legacy and the enduring impact of his work and life.

The exhibition is free and open to the public during the library’s regular operating hours, which can be found by visiting leeuniversity.libguides.com/homepage. Squires Library is located on the corner of 11th Street and Paul Conn Parkway.

For more information, contact Mathias-Dickerson at [email protected], visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/arts-sciences/communication-arts/art/, or follow @leeuniversity_art on Instagram.