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Brenau University Galleries are located on the campus of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Gainesville, in Hall County near Lake Lanier, is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A popular 19th century health resort, the city is a primary urban center for northeast Georgia. Brenau was founded in 1878 as the Georgia Baptist Female Seminary. In 1900, the name was changed to Brenau College. The German word brennan, to burn, and aurum, Latin for gold, were combined to form Brenau, meaning "gold as refined by fire". Brenau University now includes the historic Women's College, the co-educational Evening and Weekend College and Brenau Academy, a secondary school for young women. Brenau had no designated gallery space until 1985, when Dr. John S. Burd became president. Until then, student and faculty work was presented informally in various buildings on campus. Dr. Burd recognized the need for a dedicated gallery space for the university. A small chapel outside the balcony of Pearce Auditorium was converted into the Presidents Gallery. Mary Jane Taylor, Director of Visual Arts, was appointed gallery director and greatly expanded the range of exhibits. In 1986, Dr. Burd initiated the formation of Brenau's art collection - now designated the Brenau University Permanent Art Collection. The first entry was a still life by American artist, William Merritt Chase. |
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