These art works by John Acorn are torn from the headlines of our newspapers, NPR and television news. “I am not trying to be a messenger; I am just using everyday information,” he explains. Acorn makes sculpture that mirrors our culture. He sees his work as “visually appealing with something under the surface.” Lee Gallery is filled with Acorn’s most recent works crafted from wood or steel, including his collection of found objects.

John Acorn began teaching sculpture at Clemson in 1961 and after 36 years retired as Department of Art chair. He has played an integral role in the development of the visual arts here at Clemson and also throughout the state of South Carolina.