Morris Mitchell: Perceptions of My Life
november 6 - december 8, 2023
Patricia Thompson + Skylight Galleries

Ringling College Galleries + Exhibitions is pleased to share with you a colorful painting exhibition, Morris Mitchell: Perceptions of My Life.  

Morris (Moe) Mitchell was born in Highland Park, Illinois and for a short time, he attended Lake Forest College while working as a display designer for Marshall Fields.  He continued his studies at Ringling School of Art (later becoming Ringling College of Art and Design) graduating in 1959.   While studying at Ringling, he connected with artist Loren Wilford who became his mentor, lifelong friend and inspiration, along with being a creative driving life force. The passion and curiosity Wilford instilled in their relationship has never left and continues to grow intellectually and spiritually.

He taught at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and during the summers he directed the Hilton Leach School of Art in Sarasota, Florida. Beginning in the 1960's Mitchell taught full-time at Ringling College where he remained for 42 years. From 1974-1984 he served as the department head of Fine Arts. This included the redesign of curricula, addition of new electives, and new departmental branding to strengthen accreditation.

Mitchell continued to produce as a painter exhibiting both in group exhibitions and numerous one-person exhibitions. In 1974, Mitchell took a year's leave of absence, upon receiving an assistantship to the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, teaching evening drawing classes, while earning his Master in Arts in printmaking, with a minor in drawing.

The next few years brought several residencies, fellowships and grants shaping his vision, curiosity, and determination to become an important and meaningful artist.  Mitchell worked as a lecturer, juror, curator as well as serving as Vice-President of the Florida Artist Group and President of the Society for Contemporary Art. After retiring from Ringling College, and moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee, he continues to pursue more humanitarian and art related efforts with organizations such as Mark Making which is an altruistic non-profit organization devoted to the less fortunate in our society.

Opening reception: November 10, 5-8pm

Image: Morris Mitchell, Search for Purity, mixed media on canvas