special to The Star



“The simplest realization of a picture is the ability to record an emotional signature, or in romantic terminology the language of soul.” – Clive Pates



Artist Clive Pates uses his landscape paintings and sculptures so the viewer can conjure up their own words and feelings about his works. And visitors to Meridian Community College’s Miller Art Gallery in Ivy Hall will be able to do just that with the show of Pates’ works and that of his wife, Virginia.

The exhibit will be on display through Thursday; a closing reception is planned for from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the day, said John Marshall, art instructor and curator of the Miller Gallery.

Pates and his spouse recently moved to Arizona, but lived for several years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he served as adjunct curator at the Ohr Museum of Art in Biloxi. Virginia served as visual arts and gallery director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jefferson Davis campus.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of the West of England, Pates is a recipient of a Warhol Foundation grant and scholarship. His works have been seen in galleries in New York City, Belfast, London as well as Southeastern sites of Jackson, New Orleans, Memphis and Atlanta.

Virginia received her master of fine arts degree from the University of Wales Institute and her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. Her ceramic work has been seen in Jackson, Oracle, Ariz., and Bristol, England.

The Miller Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Friday by appointment. For more information, contact Marshall at (601) 484-8647.