In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, Lee University will host an art show featuring the works of Zamüell, beginning October 1 and running through October 27. The opening reception will be on October 7 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in the Squires Library Fine Art Gallery.   
 
“Although Zamüell is not Hispanic we are highlighting his work for Hispanic Heritage Month because of the work he does through The Judah Kids project, as well as The Table, both in Dalton, Georgia,” said Victoria Phillips, assistant professor of art. According to Phillips, Dalton’s demographic is just over 53% Hispanic, so the majority of students The Judah Kids Project serves are Hispanic. “I think it will be incredible for our students and guests to see how the arts not only can transform the artist, but also have a profound impact on the students served, as well as the audience.” 
 
The exhibition focuses on the collection “Within Eden,” featuring various acrylic paintings focused on the biblical Garden of Eden. The show will also include at least one piece that was created in collaboration with a student from The Judah Kids project. 
 
“‘Within Eden’ is a collection of paintings that borrows from the context of Genesis 3:8 to indicate a nuance in human emotion,” said Zamüell. “It holds a precarious mood, exploring the hour of waiting between what was a perfect garden and what became a monument of the forbidden. To sit in the emotional paradox of any given moment and to invite God to reveal Himself in that moment is one of the most refreshing and healing ways to worship.” 
 
Sam Musto, professionally known as Zamüell, is a self-taught visual and performing artist based in Dalton. He combines a variety of art forms to aid his mission in developing intercultural communities. Musto is the founder and executive director of The Judah Kids Project, an after-school and summer program designed to equip students with social, economic, and spiritual tools through fine arts education and academic support. He also works with The Table, a gospel-centered community worship service that takes place weekly. Through these programs and his relationships with ministries across Dalton, Chattanooga, and Cleveland, Musto searches to remove the tension between faith and culture in his respective arenas.  
 
Musto’s art exhibition is open Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to midnight. Squires Library is located on the corner of 11th Street and Paul Conn Parkway.      
 
For more information about Zamüell and The Judah Kids Project, visit @i.am.samm3 and  @thejudahkidsproject on Instagram.  
 
For more information about Lee’s art program or upcoming events, visit leeuniversity.edu/art/, email Phillips at [email protected], or visit @leeuniversity_art on Instagram.