The first African-American to graduate from Georgia Southern with a Fine Arts degree will bring his national portrait exhibit – “The Soul Within: Figuration by Abner Cope” – to the Averitt Center for the Arts in Statesboro from Friday through Feb. 25.

Best known for his portrait paintings, Abner Cope emphasizes the importance of contrast between light and shadow elements to create a three-dimensional illusion in two-dimensional art. “The impact of illusion depends on the contrast between these two essential elements,” Cope said. “My work is driven by the formal essence of light.”

Cope’s exhibit opening reception will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Averitt Center Main Gallery. The event is open to the public and guests will get a first look at the award-winning paintings on display.

Originally from Savannah and now living in Cumming, Cope has received numerous awards throughout his career and has multiple pieces of art that have been included in private and corporate collections throughout the Midwest, including a mural that currently hangs in the Hallie Q. Brown Library at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from then Georgia Southern College in 1974, Cope completed his Master of Fine Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1980. He taught at numerous schools across the nation, including the Dayton Art Institute and Riverbend Art Center, and currently serves as the associate professor of art Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Additionally, the Averitt Center invites the community to Cope’s Portrait Painting with Oils Workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Roxie Remley Center for Fine Arts. Using a live model, Cope will demonstrate his own techniques for developing accurate proportions, placement of figures on a canvas, and how to properly observe color on a model.

Instruction will be based on demonstrations, discussions, and individual critiques from Cope, himself.

“Over the years, I developed certain techniques for creating the portrait that has served me well,” Cope said. “Even if I do the same person more than once, I can still find an opportunity to be re-enchanted and stimulated.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to work with the artist on display! The cost is $95 and all materials are included. Seating is limited. To register, call (912) 212-2787 or visit the Averitt Center Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.