About the Gallery

ABOUT THE GALLERY: The Beverly + Sam Ross Gallery at Christian Brothers University aims to create an atmosphere that encourages artistic experimentation with a focus on contemporary artistic practices and theory. The gallery hosts roughly ten exhibitions each academic year, showcasing the work of local, regional, and national artists. Outside of the gallery’s exhibitions, additional programing focuses on student learning through workshops, lectures, and special projects while aiming to connect the school’s legacy of social justice and service to our community through the arts.

To learn more about the gallery, please pay a visit!

The Beverly + Sam Ross Gallery is located on the lower level of Plough Library in the center of campus on the Buckman Quadrangle, easily accessible from the Central Avenue parking lot. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

About the Gallery: History

Since its beginnings at 612 Adams Street in 1871, Christian Brothers University has had a tradition of art and art exhibitions. Mary Solari (1849-1929), acknowledged as one of the 100 most important artists in the history of the State of Tennessee, exhibited her work on the Adams Street campus. This tradition ceased during the years of World War I and II and was reestablished in 1990 when Brother Robert Werle, FSC founded the Christian Brothers University Gallery and was named Director and Curator of Arts and Special Collections. His purpose was to bring original works of art to the campus for the education and enjoyment of the students. Brother Robert acted as curator and director for over a hundred exhibits and worked diligently to establish and maintain a quality reputation of art exhibits on campus. After 25 years as director, Brother Robert retired in May 2016 and the Gallery has been led by a number of talented artists and curators ever since.

Beverly and Sam Ross

In 1992, Beverly and Sam Ross became friends of Christian Brothers University and an important part of our Lasallian Family. Having no children of their own, they became “adoptive parents” for a large number of international students from Mexico who did not travel home for the traditional American holidays. The students often spent those holidays in the Ross home around their dinner table in lively conversations that led to many lifelong friendships. The students often sought their advice and wise counsel about their plans and futures. Beverly and Sam lovingly attended each of their graduations from CBU and many of their weddings. In addition to his career as a businessman, deli owner, and real estate guru, Sam and Beverly are best known for the business they created together, Fantastic Sam’s hair salons, headquartered in Memphis. It was during those years that they became avid collectors of studio glass. In 1994, the Christian Brothers University gallery was privileged to have an exhibition of their world-class collection. A record crowd attended the opening, and Sam and Beverly publicly announced their intention to donate their collection to CBU. After a great deal of convincing, on February 28, 2005, Sam and Beverly consented to give their name to the gallery in appreciation for their contribution as patrons of the arts in the City of Memphis and CBU.

The Beverly + Sam Ross Gallery is located on the lower level of Plough Memorial Library in the center of campus on the Buckman Quadrangle, easily accessible from the Central Avenue parking lot and the East Parkway entrance. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

CONTACT

Scott A. Carter, MFA
Assistant Professor and Gallery Coordinator • (901) 321-3243 • scarte20@cbu.edu