The NCSSM Fine Arts Series proudly presents our 2025 graduation artist exhibition: Two Thousand One to the Present, drawings and paintings by Ben Bridgers.

After receiving an undergraduate degree in painting from Barton College (Wilson, NC) in 1995, Bridgers traveled abroad to begin graduate work at the University of Georgia’s campus in Cortona, Italy. He went on to earn an MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art (Athens, GA) in 1999.

Bridgers taught studio courses at the University of Georgia from 1996-2002, including a 2001 term at the university’s Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy. From 2002-2004, Bridgers taught as a Visiting Professor of Art at the University of Wyoming (Laramie) and then went on to teach and lead the Painting and Drawing curriculum at the University of Redlands (Redlands, CA) where he earned tenure as an Associate Professor of Art. He has maintained an active studio practice over 30 years and exhibited his work in galleries and museums across the United States. His work is held in public and private collections throughout the United States, Italy and Japan.

Currently, Bridgers works out of his home studio in Durham and on occasion, he continues to teach painting and drawing courses part-time.

The artist reception is free and open to the public, and will be held in the John Friedrick Educational Technology Complex (ETC) Lobby on Friday, April 25, from 4-6 p.m.