NGU to Host Art Exhibition in Memory of Blake Smith
Posted on: February 16, 2026
Tigerville, SC—North Greenville University’s (NGU) art department will be hosting an exhibition in memory of the late Blake Smith, who passed away in June 2025.
Smith was a professor of art and had been serving at North Greenville since 2003.
“I am honored to host this event which will be showcasing the incredible artist and educator that Blake Smith was. I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Hayley De González, department chair of art at NGU. “His impact on us is significant and the loss is felt deeply every day. He was very grounding and practical, and so warm and kind-hearted.”
Artwork in the exhibition will include photography, ceramics, and mixed media from Smith’s office as well as his studio space at Artbomb Studios, located in downtown Greenville.
Additionally, colleagues, students, and friends have also created work in honor of him to be displayed. There will also be some student works that were created under Smith’s guidance in classes.
“The love of Christ shone through him daily. Along with the works, I am hoping to share stories, as he was such an integral part of who we are as a department,” said González.
The exhibition will be held in the Rosti Gallery, located in The Studio at 414 building and will be on display February 18- April 24. It will be open to the public Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
