UNION ART PROFESSOR UNVEILS SCULPTURE IN ROME, GA.

JACKSON, November 18-- Lee Benson, assistant professor of art at Union University, recently unveiled Sanctum I, a clay sculpture that will permanently adorn a public right-of-way on Highway 411 near Rome, Ga.

The sculpture, which was commissioned by the Rome Area Council for the Arts, is a 19 by 40 foot clay bisque archway designed with six columns featuring connecting arch supports.

"Sanctum I has a two-fold purpose: RACA wanted to thank the City of Rome for their continued support of the arts, and we wanted to give the gift as a welcoming archway into Rome and Flood County for all residents and visitors." Lisa Smith, executive director of the Rome Area Council for the Arts.

Benson, a former fine arts professor at Rome's Shorter College, has been commissioned for permanent sculptures for organizations including the University of Tennessee, Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind, Atlanta's Nexus Art Gallery, and numerous private collectors.

"Rome is such a strong community of artists, art patrons and galleries," Benson said. "I have grown to admire Rome's commitment to the arts. My intent for my work is to bring man bak to God, to secure for him in his environment a place of solitude and solace-- a still quiet whisper of what is more profound."