Art

David Detrich, Professor of Fine Art, Head of Sculpture Program and Graduate Program Coordinator for Clemson University’s Department of Art

David Detrich was involved in the establishment of the Nature-Based Sculpture Program. As a professor of art and sculpture he was enthusiastic about what he saw as “ground-breaking studies” in public art. Detrich was personally involved with every sculpture the program created. In addition, he created a course dedicated to the program that brought 10 to 12 sculpture students each year to the installation.

It coincided with a project that I gave to my advanced sculpture class which was to examine site-specific art. It was a chance for them to actually participate, not only theoretically participate, as I was teaching them about the theories of presenting work to the public, but to actually work on a piece, talk to the artists, troubleshoot some of their concerns and questions by actually working with the artist on site. –David Detrich

Participating in the program allowed his students to establish contacts with internationally renowned artists and even work with them on future projects outside of the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. Working on the sculptures also assisted some students in their transition from student to professional. Detrich hopes to continue his partnership with the NBSP when it begins cycle two.

It would be nice to see whether it takes the same path or a different path; it’s a great site and there have been some great experiences there and you long for more of that.–David Detrich